Brief Overview of θυμόω (Strong’s G2373: thymóō)

Introduction

In the study of Biblical Greek, understanding the nuances of specific words can significantly enhance one’s comprehension of the text. The Greek word θυμόω (thymóō) is particularly significant for its connotations of stirring up anger or provoking an intense emotional reaction. This word is closely related to other Greek terms describing emotional states and is essential for interpreting passages where human or divine wrath is in focus. Its study also sheds light on ancient Greek culture’s perception of emotion and its moral implications.

Key Information

Save with code – FOG20

• The Greek Word: θυμόω (thymóō) [thoo-MOH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the root word θυμός (thymós), meaning “passion” or “wrath,” and related to θύω (thyō), meaning “to rush” or “to sacrifice.”
• Part of Speech: Verb, present active indicative.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To provoke or arouse to anger.
• To become angry or enraged.
• To stir up a passionate response, which can be either positive or negative, depending on context.

Similar Words: ὀργίζω (orgízō) [or-GEE-zoh] is another Greek word meaning “to make angry” or “to provoke to wrath.” While ὀργίζω often implies a more enduring or settled anger, θυμόω suggests a more immediate, intense reaction or provocation. Another related term, παροξύνω (paroxúnō) [pa-roh-KSOO-noh], means “to stir up” or “to provoke,” and it carries a similar sense but is more often used in the context of inciting a sharp disagreement or conflict.

Further Insights: θυμόω is a verb that follows the standard patterns of Greek conjugation for verbs of its type. Below is a table showing its full conjugation in the present active indicative form:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Defines θυμόω as “to provoke to anger, to incite,” and often describes human reactions to perceived injustices or offenses. It can also refer to God’s response to sin and rebellion, highlighting the word’s role in conveying strong emotional reactions.

Thayers: Interprets θυμόω as “to make angry, to enrage,” with an emphasis on the process of arousing an emotional reaction. It describes both human and divine anger, focusing on the intensity of the provocation.

Vines: Discusses θυμόω as “to provoke to wrath,” distinguishing it from other words like ὀργίζω by its immediacy and intensity. It is often used in contexts of heated confrontation or divine judgment.

LSJ: Notes that θυμόω can also mean “to inflame, to excite,” beyond just anger, and can be used more broadly to describe the stirring up of emotions or passions, whether positive or negative.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Describes θυμόω as “to provoke or to be provoked,” capturing the action-oriented nature of the verb. It is frequently found in narratives of conflict or judgment, where emotions are heightened.

Related Scripture References

• Colossians 3:21: “Fathers, do not provoke (θυμόω) your children, lest they become discouraged.”
• Revelation 11:18: “The nations were angry (θυμόω), and your wrath has come, and the time for the dead to be judged…”

Classical Usage

Summary of θυμόω (G2373)

The Greek word θυμόω (thymóō) encompasses the concept of provoking or stirring up intense emotional reactions, particularly anger or wrath. Its usage in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature provides insight into the human and divine experiences of strong emotions and the moral and relational implications of such responses. Understanding θυμόω deepens our comprehension of passages dealing with conflict, judgment, and the dynamics of emotional provocation.

Did You Know?

The word θυμόω has roots in ancient Greek literature, where it was often used to describe the emotional states of gods and heroes in epic narratives. The term suggests a powerful, often uncontrollable force of emotion that drives individuals to action, whether in anger, courage, or zeal. In philosophical discussions, θυμόω and its cognates were sometimes viewed as part of the spirited element of the soul, playing a critical role in moral decision-making and ethical conduct. This understanding has influenced both classical and Christian interpretations of human behavior and divine interaction.