Original Word: ἐκτρέφω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: ektrephó
Pronunciation: ek-TREF-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (ek-tref'-o)
KJV: bring up, nourish
NASB: bring, nourishes
Word Origin: [from G1537 (ἐκ - among) and G5142 (τρέφω - feeds)]

1. to rear up to maturity
2. (genitive case) to cherish or train

bring up, nourish.

From ek and trepho; to rear up to maturity, i.e. (genitive case) to cherish or train -- bring up, nourish.

see GREEK ek

see GREEK trepho

1625 ektréphō (from 1537 /ek, "out from," intensifying 5142 /tréphō, "to feed") – properly, feed (nourish out), (i.e. to its needed outcome). 1625 (ektréphō) suggests "effectively nourish, nurture" (sustain, Eph 5:29) – or "nourish out (up) to maturity" (J. Thayer), i.e. to rear, raise (train up, WP, Eph 6:4).

Word Origin
from ek and trephó
Definition
to bring up to maturity, to nourish
NASB Translation
bring (1), nourishes (1).

STRONGS NT 1625: ἐκτρέφω

ἐκτρέφω; from Aeschylus down;

1. to nourish up to maturity; then universally, to nourish: τήν ἑαυτοῦ σάρκα, Ephesians 5:29.

2. to nurture, bring up: τά τέκνα, Ephesians 6:4.

STRONGS NT 1625a: ἔκτρομος [ἔκτρομος, adjective (cf. ἔκφοβος), trembling exceedingly, exceedingly terrified: Hebrews 12:21 Tr marginal reading WH mrg, after the Sinaiticus and Claromontanus manuscripts (others ἔντρομος, which see). Not found elsewhere.]

Root Idea and Imagery

Within Paul’s epistles ἐκτρέφω depicts steady, tender nourishment that produces maturity. The prefix ἐκ (“out from”) intensifies τρέφω (“to feed”), suggesting care that draws life and strength outward until the recipient reaches full stature.

Scriptural Occurrences

Ephesians 5:29 – “For no one ever hated his own body, but he nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.”

Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Christ’s Care for His Body

Paul uses ἐκτρέφω to unveil the risen Christ’s present ministry toward His church. The body metaphor in Ephesians 5:29 highlights:
• Provision – All spiritual resources flow from the Head to every member (Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 4:19).
• Protection – Nourishing includes cleansing (Ephesians 5:26) and equipping with armor (Ephesians 6:10-18).
• Purpose – The goal is a radiant, mature bride “holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:27).

Thus ἐκτρέφω underscores the constancy and gentleness of Christ’s shepherding love (John 10:11; Revelation 7:17).

Parental Nurture and Discipleship

Ephesians 6:4 brings the same verb into the domestic sphere. Fathers are to replicate Christ’s pattern toward their children:
• Intentional Development – “Bring them up” signals an ongoing process, not sporadic attention.
• Balanced Environment – Nourishing is paired with “discipline and instruction,” averting indulgence or harshness.
• God-Centered Goal – “Of the Lord” guards against merely cultural or utilitarian parenting. Children are reared for divine glory (Psalm 78:5-7; 2 Timothy 3:15).

Old Testament Continuity

God’s covenant love is frequently pictured as parental nourishment: Deuteronomy 1:31; Hosea 11:3-4; Isaiah 40:11. Paul’s use of ἐκτρέφω echoes these passages, affirming continuity between Testaments in portraying divine care.

Household Codes in Historical Context

Greco-Roman paterfamilias authority often bred severity. Paul reorients that norm: authority remains, but its exercise is defined by Christlike nurture, elevating the status of children and demonstrating the gospel’s household power.

Ministry Implications

Pastoral Leadership – Shepherds are to “feed the flock of God” (1 Peter 5:2), mirroring Christ’s nourishing work.

Marriage Counseling – Husbands should care for wives with the same self-giving nourishment Christ extends to His church.

Christian Education – Teaching must aim at spiritual growth, cultivating believers toward maturity in Christ (Colossians 1:28).

Echoes in Early Church Writings

Ignatius of Antioch urged believers to “be nourished on the bread of God” (Ign. Rom. 7). Clement of Alexandria likened the Word to milk that brings up children in godliness (Paedagogus 1.6).

Doctrinal Reflections

1. Union with Christ – Because the church is His body, Christ necessarily nourishes her.
2. Sanctification – Nourishment is the Spirit’s means of transforming believers from within.
3. Covenant Succession – The command to fathers anchors responsibility for passing faith to the next generation.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 1625 draws a straight line from the compassionate nurture of God, through the redemptive ministry of Christ, into the daily practice of Christian parents and leaders. Whether describing the Savior’s unfailing care for His church or a father’s patient cultivation of his children, ἐκτρέφω portrays the steady, life-giving work that turns dependence into maturity and promise into fulfillment, all to the praise of His glorious grace.

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