Abarim Publications' online Biblical Greek Dictionary
φειδομαι
The verb φειδομαι (pheidomai) means to spare, broadly on a par with the English verb. It may mean to spare persons and things in the sense of to not destroy them, and thus show them mercy or forgiveness. Or in the sense of to use them sparingly, and hence to be careful with them, or even to take care of them. As such, our verb may mean to have consideration for, or pay careful attention to, and with a negative, to ignore, abstain or refrain from. Our verb may also be used in general, to describe a sparing, frugal or thrifty way of living.
This verb insightfully demonstrates that salvation comes from careful attention, whereas destruction comes from neglect. This is, of course, wholly in agreement with the second law of thermodynamics.
It's not clear where our verb comes from, but possibly from the same Proto-Indo-European "beyd-", meaning to split, that gave English the verb to bite (to chomp off a small piece of a bigger whole), and the noun boat (which carries a small portion of a bigger load and is commonly one of a larger fleet).
Our verb is used 10 times in the New Testament, see full concordance, and from it derive:
- Together with the common particle of negation α (a), meaning not or without: the noun αφειδια (apheidia), meaning a not-sparing, an unsparing treatment or employ without consideration for any adverse consequences (Colossians 2:23 only). This word is rare in the classics, but where it is used it rather denotes generosity or liberality, without regard for maintenance or pious frugality. The adjective our word closely associates with, namely αφειδια (apheidia), is in the classics used in the sense of lightly regarded (like landing a ship with little regard for risk), or without mercy or consideration. The verb, αφειδεω (apheideo) means to take no care of, to be unsparingly, and hence also to use lavishly and without worry or care. Our word in Colossians 2:23 does not so much denote some rigorous or hyper-disciplined attitude toward the body but rather one of lavish employ, without consideration for risk or health. The author of this letter regards the body as a work horse and work it will.
- The adverb φειδομενως (pheidomenos), meaning sparingly or carelessly (2 Corinthians 9:6 only).