Spiritual Discernment: τρίβολος (Strong’s G5146: tribolos) Reveals False Teaching

Strong’s G5146: A masculine noun referring to a thorny plant or thistle, tribolos literally means “three-pointed.” In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of spiritual discernment, symbolizing the harmful nature of false teaching and unfruitful spiritual lives.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τρίβολος (tribolos) refers to a particularly troublesome thorny plant known for its three-pointed thorns. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts where Jesus teaches about discerning true from false prophets and in discussions about spiritual fruitfulness. The word’s sharp, harmful nature made it an effective metaphor for dangerous spiritual influences. The early church fathers frequently used τρίβολος when discussing the dangers of heresy and the importance of spiritual discernment. Today, this word continues to warn believers about the importance of distinguishing genuine spiritual fruit from harmful spiritual influences.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τρίβολος, tribolos, TREE-bo-los
• Detailed pronunciation: τρί (TREE) + βο (bo) + λος (los)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: τρι- (tri-) meaning “three”
• Root: βολος (bolos) from βάλλω meaning “to throw/point”
• Combined meaning: “three-pointed”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “thistle”
• Three-pointed thorn
• Harmful weed
• Symbol of spiritual unfruitfulness

For compound words: The word combines tri- (three) with bolos (point) to describe a plant with three-pointed thorns

Translation Options:

1. “thistle” – Common English equivalent
2. “thorn” – General category
3. “bramble” – Alternative botanical term

E – Exploring Similar Words

ἄκανθα (akantha) [ah-KAN-tha] – thorn – See G173
σκόλοψ (skolops) [SKO-lops] – sharp stake/thorn – See G4647
ζιζάνιον (zizanion) [zee-ZAN-ee-on] – darnel/tare – See G2215

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Greek nouns change form based on their function:

• Nominative: τρίβολος (subject)
• Genitive: τριβόλου (possession)
• Dative: τριβόλῳ (indirect object)
• Accusative: τρίβολον (direct object)
• Plural forms add appropriate endings

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide rich insight into τρίβολος’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its botanical identity and metaphorical usage. Thayer’s lexicon traces its etymology and development as a metaphor. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek agriculture and literature. Vine’s expands on its theological significance in Jesus’ teachings about spiritual discernment. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its use in agricultural contexts and metaphorical warnings.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles [τριβόλων]?” Matthew 7:16

Additional References:
Hebrews 6:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τρίβολος serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual discernment and fruitfulness. Through its sharp, three-pointed nature, it warns us about the dangers of false teaching and unfruitful spiritual lives. Yet this warning points us to the good news that in the Messiah, we can bear good fruit and discern truth from error. The word reminds us that genuine spiritual life produces recognizable fruit, distinct from the harmful thorns of false teaching.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word’s three-pointed structure influenced military defensive weapons
2. Ancient farmers considered it one of the most troublesome weeds
3. Early church writers used it to describe the “thorns” of heretical teachings

Strong’s G5146: A masculine noun referring to a thorny plant or thistle, tribolos literally means “three-pointed.” In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of spiritual discernment, symbolizing the harmful nature of false teaching and unfruitful spiritual lives.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: thistle, thorn, discernment, false teaching, fruit, agriculture, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, metaphor, warning, spiritual growth​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​