Brief Overview of Βρυγμός (G1030: Brygmós)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek noun βρυγμός (Brygmós), pronounced breeg-mos’, refers to the act of “gnashing” or “grinding” of teeth. The term is often used in contexts that convey extreme emotional distress, particularly anger, frustration, or suffering. Brygmós is derived from the verb βρύχω (brychō), which means “to gnash” or “to grind.” In the New Testament, this word is typically associated with descriptions of the anguish experienced in judgment or punishment, often paired with “weeping” to emphasize the intensity of the suffering.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
According to BDAG, Brygmós primarily refers to the “gnashing” or “grinding” of teeth, specifically in a figurative sense, indicating severe distress or suffering. BDAG points out that this term is frequently used in eschatological contexts within the New Testament, particularly in the Synoptic Gospels, to describe the agony of those who are cast out from the presence of God into a place of judgment. This gnashing of teeth is not just a physical action but a vivid expression of intense regret, sorrow, and rage.

Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon expands on this by noting that Brygmós is employed metaphorically to depict the violent reactions of those who are condemned, emphasizing the emotional and psychological torment experienced. It also highlights how the gnashing of teeth, often coupled with weeping, serves as a graphic portrayal of despair and hopelessness.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Brygmós with the definition “gnashing,” particularly in the sense of grinding one’s teeth in pain or fury. Strong’s cross-references various New Testament passages, such as Matthew 8:12 and Luke 13:28, where Brygmós is used to describe the anguish of those facing divine judgment.

Classical Greek Usage:
In classical Greek literature, Brygmós and its related verb brychō are used to describe the literal action of gnashing teeth, often in anger or frustration. For example, in Homer’s Iliad, the term is used to describe the fierce expressions of warriors in the heat of battle, emphasizing their wrath and determination.

The tragedian Sophocles also employs the term in his plays to depict characters in extreme distress, often as they react to tragic news or confront their impending doom. The use of Brygmós in such contexts adds a physical manifestation to the characters’ emotional turmoil, making their suffering more palpable to the audience.

Plato, in his dialogues, uses Brygmós metaphorically to discuss the inner turmoil of individuals who are morally corrupt or spiritually lost, illustrating the concept of an internal struggle that manifests physically as gnashing of teeth.

Summary:
The Greek noun βρυγμός (Brygmós), meaning “gnashing” or “grinding” of teeth, is a term that conveys intense emotional distress, often associated with anger, suffering, or judgment. In the New Testament, Brygmós is frequently used in eschatological contexts to describe the torment of those facing divine punishment, as seen in passages like Matthew 8:12 and Luke 13:28. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and Strong’s highlight the term’s use to depict the extreme anguish of the condemned. In classical Greek literature, Brygmós is used both literally and metaphorically to describe expressions of anger and inner turmoil, adding depth to the portrayal of human suffering and despair. The term remains a powerful image of intense emotional and spiritual agony.