Brief Overview of παροξύνω (Strong’s G3947: paroxynō)

Strong’s G3947: A compound verb combining παρά (beside/beyond) with ὀξύνω (to sharpen), meaning “to provoke, stir up, or be greatly agitated.” Used in Acts 17:16 to describe Paul’s spiritual provocation at Athens’ idolatry and in 1 Corinthians 13:5 regarding love’s response to wrong.

U- Unveiling the Word

παροξύνω describes intense emotional or spiritual stirring, particularly righteous provocation against evil. In Acts, it depicts Paul’s reaction to idolatry, while in Corinthians it appears in a negative form describing love’s patience. The compound structure suggests sharpening to a point of action. Early church fathers used this term to discuss appropriate Christian responses to evil while maintaining love. Today, it helps believers balance righteous indignation with Christ-like love.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παροξύνω, paroxynō, /par-ox-OO-no/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + ox (as in ‘ox’) + OO (stressed) + no
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside, beyond
• ὀξύνω (oxynō): to sharpen
• -ω (-ō): verb ending

D – Defining Meanings

• To provoke
• To be stirred to anger
• To be greatly agitated

For compound words:
παρα- intensifies ὀξύνω’s meaning of sharpening, creating the sense of being emotionally or spiritually sharpened

Translation Options:

• “To be provoked” – emphasizes emotional response
• “To be stirred up” – captures internal agitation
• “To be incited” – stresses causative aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐρεθίζω (erethizō) /er-eth-ID-zo/ – to stir up, more general
• παροργίζω (parorgizō) /par-or-GID-zo/ – to anger, more specific to wrath
• ἀγανακτέω (aganakteō) /ag-an-ak-TEH-o/ – to be indignant

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, παροξύνω exhibits:

• Tense: Imperfect, Present
• Voice: Passive, Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Progressive

Examples:
παροξύνω (I provoke)
παρωξύνετο (was being provoked)
παροξυνόμενος (being provoked)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both righteous and unrighteous provocation. Thayer’s notes its intensity. LSJ documents medical usage for irritation. Vine’s highlights its spiritual applications. Moulton and Milligan note its use in emotional contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was [παροξύνω] provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols” (Acts 17:16)

Additional References:
1 Corinthians 13:5

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παροξύνω represents intense spiritual or emotional stirring, particularly regarding righteous response to evil while maintaining Christian love.

D – Did You Know?

• The word gives us the English term “paroxysm”
• It was used in ancient medical texts for acute symptoms
• The term appears in contrasting contexts of righteous zeal and patient love

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound verb combining παρά (beside/beyond) with ὀξύνω (to sharpen), meaning “to provoke, stir up, or be greatly agitated.” Used in Acts 17:16 to describe Paul’s spiritual provocation at Athens’ idolatry and in 1 Corinthians 13:5 regarding love’s response to wrong.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #verb #provocation #paul #athens #love #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #righteous_anger #spiritual_zeal​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​