The meaning of “γῆ”
Understanding gē reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
contracted from a primary word country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world. - soil - by extension a region, or the solid pa...
γῆ
contracted from a primary word country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world. - soil - by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 12:42 | “The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.” Word: γῆ (gē) | |
| John 12:24 | “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” Word: γῆ (gē) | |
| 1 Corinthians 10:28 | “But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:” Word: γῆ (gē) | |
| Hebrews 11:9 | “By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:” Word: γῆ (gē) | |
| 1 John 5:8 | “And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.” Word: γῆ (gē) |
Theological Word Study: Earth
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Earth, land
The Hebrew eretz (אֶרֶץ) means earth or land—the physical world God created. 'The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof' (Psalm 24:1), given to humanity as stewards.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Earth, land
The Greek gē (γῆ) denotes earth or land. While believers are 'strangers and pilgrims on the earth' (Hebrews 11:13), they await 'new heavens and a new earth' (2 Peter 3:13) where righteousness dwells.