The meaning of “ἔχω”
Understanding échō reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
a primary verb be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased,...
ἔχω
a primary verb be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use. - to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote - such as possession - ability, contiuity, relation, or condition)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 14:17 | “And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.” Word: ἔχω (échō) | |
| Romans 8:23 | “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” Word: ἔχω (échō) | |
| Philippians 2:27 | “For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.” Word: ἔχω (échō) | |
| 2 Timothy 2:17 | “And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus;” Word: ἔχω (échō) | |
| 1 Peter 3:16 | “Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” Word: ἔχω (échō) |