Being rooted (4492) (rhizoo from rhÃza = root) literally means to cause to take root or to strengthen with roots. In classical Greek rhizoo is often used with ethical implications. Figuratively rhizoo means to become stable, to render firm, to fix, to be firmly established, to be strengthened with (spiritual) "roots", to be firmly fixed with the focus upon the source of such strength. The passive voice (it is only used in the passive here and Col 2:6) points to the "source" being not that intrinsic to man but from an outside Source, in context Christ. Believers are established and settled securely in the love of Christ. We are rooted deeply in the soil of love and thus rooted are able to grow strong and massive. In Christ we find life-giving soil. In Isaiah we see a parallel picture reading that Messiah's coming might grant those (the primary meaning is for believing Israel but this truth is applicable to believers) who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. (Isaiah 61:3) We are firmly rooted into Christ the moment He comes into our life. That is a plant nobody can rip up. We can’t lose our salvation because we are firmly established in Him the moment we exercise our faith in Him and He comes into our life. Paul wrote in Colossians As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted (perfect tense) and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. (See notes Colossians 2:6; 2:7) Rhizoo is used only here and in Colossians 2 (above) and twice in the Septuagint (LXX) -- Isa. 40:24; Jer. 12:2. Jeremiah records... Jer 12:2 Thou hast planted them, and they have taken root; they have begotten children, and become fruitful; thou art near to their mouth, and far from their reins. Both rooted and grounded are in the perfect tense underscoring the permanence of these states (and just another small reason to substantiate the believer's eternal security). Note Paul's mixing of metaphors (rooted from the farming or agricultural world, and grounded from the building or architectural world). Meditate on the metaphor of rooted -- think of a tree which must sink its roots deep into the soil if it is to have nourishment and stability. Then thank God that as believers at the moment of salvation we have been permanently and completely rooted deep into the love of God! Amazing love, how can it be?! Take a moment and read Psalm 1 and the passage in Jeremiah 17:5-8 contemplating your having been rooted in love. One of the most important questions a Christian can ask himself is, “From Whom do I draw my nourishment and my stability?” If there is to be supernatural, God glorifying, Christ exalting power our Christian life, then there must be depth. The roots must go deeper and deeper into the love of Christ. This is real Biblical "mysticism". "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/ephesians_316-17.htm#root