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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is essential in biblical studies for uncovering the depth and meaning of New Testament texts. The Greek word θλῖψις (thlípsis) is particularly significant as it refers to “affliction,” “tribulation,” or “distress.” This term is frequently used in the New Testament to describe the hardships and trials that believers face, as well as the pressures of life in a fallen world. By examining the usage of θλῖψις, we gain a clearer understanding of early Christian teachings on suffering, perseverance, and the ultimate hope of salvation. It also provides insight into ancient Greek culture’s views on suffering and endurance.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: θλῖψις (thlípsis) [THLEEP-sis]
- Etymology: Derived from the root verb θλίβω (thlíbō), meaning “to press” or “to crush.” The noun θλῖψις carries the idea of being under pressure or enduring a form of compression, which metaphorically translates to experiencing hardship or suffering.
- Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine); used to denote a state of distress, tribulation, or affliction.
- Grammatical Details: Third declension noun; characterized by its feminine singular endings.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- Affliction: A state of suffering, pain, or distress.
- Tribulation: A period or situation of great trouble or suffering.
- Distress: Severe anxiety, sorrow, or pain.
Similar Words: στενοχωρία (stenochōría) [ste-no-kho-REE-ah] is another Greek word meaning “distress” or “anguish.” While στενοχωρία emphasizes being in a tight or restricted place, θλῖψις focuses more on the pressure or crushing force that causes suffering. Another related word is δοκιμασία (dokimasía) [do-kee-mah-SEE-ah], meaning “testing” or “trial.” While δοκιμασία refers to a process of proving or refining through trials, θλῖψις emphasizes the experience of suffering itself.
Further Insights: As a third declension noun, θλῖψις has a distinct pattern of endings that differ from the first and second declensions. Below is the full declension of θλῖψις:
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | θλῖψις | θλῖψεις |
| Genitive | θλίψεως | θλίψεων |
| Dative | θλίψει | θλίψεσι(ν) |
| Accusative | θλῖψιν | θλίψεις |
| Vocative | θλῖψις | θλῖψεις |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: θλῖψις is defined as “trouble that inflicts distress, oppression, affliction, tribulation.” BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of physical, emotional, or spiritual hardship. It notes the frequent appearance of θλῖψις in New Testament passages that discuss the challenges and sufferings faced by believers.
- Thayer’s Lexicon: Thayer’s describes θλῖψις as “pressure, oppression, affliction, distress,” with a focus on its metaphorical use to represent the trials and hardships that accompany the Christian life. Thayer’s highlights the word’s implications for both present suffering and eschatological hope.
- Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Vine’s discusses θλῖψις in terms of its use to describe the trials that refine faith and character. The dictionary notes that θλῖψις can refer to both external persecutions and internal struggles, emphasizing the believer’s response to such trials.
- LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): The LSJ lexicon provides a comprehensive overview of θλῖψις, ranging from its literal meaning of “crushing” or “pressure” to more abstract uses where it signifies oppression, hardship, or affliction in philosophical and rhetorical literature.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: G2347. Strong’s defines θλῖψις as “pressure (literally or figuratively): afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.” The concordance underscores the importance of this term in describing both temporal sufferings and the anticipated trials of the end times.
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Related Scripture References
- John 16:33: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation (θλῖψιν): but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
- Romans 5:3: “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations (θλῖψεσιν) also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.”
- 2 Corinthians 1:4: “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation (θλίψει), that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Phaedo | “The soul that clings to the body suffers tribulation (θλῖψις) in the process of detachment.” |
| Aeschylus | Prometheus Bound | “Endure this tribulation (θλῖψις) and know that the gods are just.” |
| Euripides | Bacchae | “Amidst great tribulations (θλῖψεις), the city must learn humility.” |
| Septuagint – Psalms | Septuagint Translation | “In my distress (θλίψει), I called upon the Lord, and He heard me.” |
| Septuagint – Jeremiah | Septuagint Translation | “The days of tribulation (θλῖψεως) are upon you, and no one shall be spared.” |
| Septuagint – Isaiah | Septuagint Translation | “Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and cry to her that her tribulation (θλῖψις) is ended.” |
Summary of θλῖψις (G2347)
The Greek noun θλῖψις (thlípsis) primarily means “affliction” or “tribulation” and is used in both literal and metaphorical contexts in the New Testament and classical literature. In biblical teachings, it often represents the trials and hardships that believers face, both in their present lives and in anticipation of the end times. The term appears frequently in passages that encourage endurance, faith, and trust in God’s sovereignty amidst suffering. Understanding θλῖψις provides insight into the theology of suffering, the hope of redemption, and the endurance required of the faithful in both ancient and modern contexts.
Did You Know?
The Greek word θλῖψις has given rise to the English word “tribulation,” which has become a key term in Christian eschatology, referring to a future period of great distress and suffering. The concept of θλῖψις in both ancient Greek and biblical texts underscores the idea that suffering can have a purpose—whether it be the refinement of character, the testing of faith, or the preparation for ultimate deliverance.
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