Lexical Summary spoudaioteros: More diligent, more earnest, more zealous Original Word: σπουδαιότερος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance more diligentComparative of spoudaios; more prompt, more earnest -- more diligent (forward). see GREEK spoudaios HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4707 spoudaióteros – a comparative adjective (-er) meaning "more diligent" ("swifter"). See 4710 (spoudē). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origincptv. of spoudaios, q.v. Topical Lexicon Lexical Note This comparative adjective—meaning “more earnest,” “more diligent,” or “with greater speed and zeal”—does not itself appear in the Greek New Testament, yet it belongs to the σπουδ– family that pervades Scripture (e.g., the noun “eagerness” and the verb “make every effort”). Its very form points to an intensification of zeal, inviting reflection on what it means to exceed ordinary diligence in service to God. Concept of Comparative Diligence in Biblical Thought Scripture repeatedly commends a devotion that goes beyond the minimum. That heightened devotion is captured by the comparative idea behind σπουδαιότερος. The righteous are not merely diligent; they are “more diligent” than their circumstances might naturally require, mirroring the Lord’s own steadfast commitment to His people. Echoes in the Canon 1. Exemplary leadership: “If it is leadership, let him lead with diligence” (Romans 12:8). Each imperative or commendation issues a call to surpass normal effort—the sphere naturally occupied by σπουδαιότερος if it were in the text. Old Testament Foundations The Septuagint employs cognate forms to commend fervor (for example, Proverbs 6:6–11 contrasts diligent industry with sloth). The wisdom tradition equates eagerness with wisdom itself, laying a moral foundation for the New Testament ethos of heightened earnestness. Apostolic Practice Paul frequently urges coworkers to accelerated action: “Make every effort to come to me soon” (2 Timothy 4:9) and “Make every effort to come before winter” (2 Timothy 4:21). Though using the verb form, the comparative spirit is evident—Paul desires not mere compliance but the quickest, fullest obedience. Theological Reflection The comparative force underscores that Christian zeal is measured not against peers but against the magnitude of grace received (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Believers are summoned to a diligence proportionate to Christ’s sacrifice, making σπουδαιότερος an apt label for the heightened moral urgency that flows from the gospel. Pastoral and Ministerial Applications • Leadership Training: Disciple makers should cultivate a culture of “more earnest” service, urging believers to outdo one another in showing honor (Romans 12:10). Historical Reception Early Church fathers such as Clement of Rome praised believers who exhibited “surpassing eagerness” (πλέον σπουδῆς). Medieval monastic rules similarly urged novices to “run with swifter zeal,” echoing the comparative ideal. The Reformation’s emphasis on vocation renewed the call to surpass ordinary labor “for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23). Summary of Key Themes 1. σπουδαιότερος embodies intensified zeal. Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance σπόρος — 2 Occ.ἐσπούδασα — 1 Occ. ἐσπουδάσαμεν — 1 Occ. σπουδάσατε — 2 Occ. σπουδάσω — 1 Occ. Σπουδάσωμεν — 1 Occ. σπούδασον — 4 Occ. σπουδάζοντες — 1 Occ. σπουδαῖον — 1 Occ. σπουδαιότερον — 1 Occ. σπουδαιοτέρως — 1 Occ. σπουδαίως — 3 Occ. σπουδῇ — 3 Occ. σπουδήν — 6 Occ. σπουδῆς — 3 Occ. σπυρίδας — 3 Occ. σπυρίδι — 1 Occ. σπυρίδων — 1 Occ. σταδίῳ — 1 Occ. σταδίων — 3 Occ. |
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