Divine Impossibility: τρυμαλιά (Strong’s G5168: trumalia) Reveals Kingdom Access

Strong’s G5168: A feminine noun meaning “hole” or “eye,” trumalia appears in Jesus’ teaching about wealth and salvation. Used specifically for a needle’s eye, it illustrates the impossibility of entering God’s kingdom through human effort alone.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τρυμαλιά (trumalia) refers specifically to a small hole or perforation, particularly the eye of a needle. In the New Testament, it appears in Jesus’ famous comparison about the difficulty of a rich person entering God’s kingdom being like a camel passing through a needle’s eye. The word’s precise meaning emphasizes absolute impossibility rather than mere difficulty. The early church fathers often referenced τρυμαλιά when discussing salvation’s impossibility apart from divine intervention. Today, this word continues to remind believers that entrance into God’s kingdom comes through divine grace, not human achievement.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τρυμαλιά, trumalia, troo-mah-lee-AH
• Detailed pronunciation: τρυ (troo) + μα (mah) + λι (lee) + ά (AH)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: τρύω (truo) meaning “to wear away/pierce”
• Suffix: -αλια (-alia) forming noun
• Basic meaning: “pierced hole”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “hole”
• Needle’s eye
• Small perforation
• Tiny opening

For compound words: Not applicable as τρυμαλιά is a simple noun

Translation Options:

1. “eye” – Specific needle context
2. “hole” – General meaning
3. “opening” – Broader meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

ὀπή (ope) [o-PAY] – hole/opening – See G3692
ῥαφίς (rhaphis) [rha-FEES] – needle – See G4476
βελόνη (belone) [beh-LO-nay] – needle – See G956

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Greek nouns change form based on their function:

• Nominative: τρυμαλιά (subject)
• Genitive: τρυμαλιᾶς (possession)
• Dative: τρυμαλιᾷ (indirect object)
• Accusative: τρυμαλιάν (direct object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide rich insight into τρυμαλιά’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its specific use in the needle metaphor. Thayer’s lexicon traces its development from the concept of wearing through or piercing. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek for various types of holes and perforations. Vine’s expands on its theological significance in Jesus’ teaching about salvation. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its use in everyday contexts for small openings.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye [τρυμαλιᾶς] of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:25

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of τρυμαλιά in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τρυμαλιά powerfully illustrates the impossibility of entering God’s kingdom through human effort. Through this vivid image of a camel and needle’s eye, Jesus teaches that salvation is impossible through human means. Yet this apparent impossibility highlights the good news that with God, all things are possible. Through τρυμαλιά, we see that divine grace accomplishes what human effort cannot.

D – Did You Know?

1. τρυμαλιά was a technical term in ancient needlework
2. The word appears in ancient medical texts about surgical openings
3. Early Christians used it as a symbol of spiritual humility

Strong’s G5168: A feminine noun meaning “hole” or “eye,” trumalia appears in Jesus’ teaching about wealth and salvation. Used specifically for a needle’s eye, it illustrates the impossibility of entering God’s kingdom through human effort alone.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: hole, eye, needle, impossibility, salvation, grace, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, metaphor, wealth, kingdom entrance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​