φειδομένως
pheidomenōs
sparingly
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word φειδομένως (pheidomenos) translates to "sparing." This word suggests a careful and restrained allocation of resources, often implying moderation in the face of possible excess. Its occurrences in the Bible reveal a limited but significant usage. In the few instances where φειδομένως appears, it highlights the importance of thriftiness and frugality. This word is not about being stingy or mean-spirited, but rather about being mindful of one's means and choosing to allocate them wisely. The significance of φειδομένως lies in its emphasis on responsible stewardship and prudence, reminding us to be mindful of our limitations and the needs of others. The modest frequency of φειδομένως' occurrence suggests that its concept is woven into the fabric of everyday life in the biblical narrative, often implicitly guiding characters' decisions and interactions. Its scarcity also underscores the importance of this value, drawing attention to the virtue of moderate and considered behavior in various situations.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences across the text