Divine Transformation: τραχύς (Strong’s G5138: trachus) Smooths Life’s Rough Places

Strong’s G5138: An adjective meaning “rough” or “uneven,” trachus describes difficult terrain or harsh conditions. In the New Testament, it appears in prophecy about the Messiah’s coming, symbolizing how divine intervention transforms difficult circumstances into smooth paths.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τραχύς (trachus) literally describes rough, uneven, or difficult terrain. In the New Testament, it appears in prophetic contexts quoting Isaiah, where it symbolizes the spiritual and moral obstacles that will be transformed by the Messiah’s coming. The word also appears in Acts to describe dangerous sailing conditions, showing its versatility in both literal and metaphorical usage. Early church fathers often used τραχύς to describe the difficulties of the spiritual journey and the transformative power of God’s grace. Today, this word continues to remind believers that God smooths out life’s rough places and makes straight paths for His people.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τραχύς, trachus, TRAH-khoos
• Detailed pronunciation: τρα (TRAH) + χύς (khoos)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root word: τράχω (tracho) meaning “rough”
• No prefixes or suffixes
• Basic adjective form

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “rough”
• Uneven (of terrain)
• Difficult to traverse
• Harsh or dangerous

For compound words: Not applicable as τραχύς is a simple adjective

Translation Options:

1. “rough” – Most literal physical meaning
2. “difficult” – Broader application
3. “treacherous” – When describing dangerous conditions

E – Exploring Similar Words

σκληρός (skleros) [sklay-ROS] – hard, harsh – See G4642
δύσκολος (dyskolos) [DOOS-ko-los] – difficult, hard to please – See G1422
χαλεπός (chalepos) [kha-lay-POS] – difficult, dangerous – See G5467

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Masculine/Feminine/Neuter
• Declension: Third declension

Adjective forms change based on the noun they modify:

• Masculine: τραχύς
• Feminine: τραχεῖα
• Neuter: τραχύ
• Plural forms add appropriate endings

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide comprehensive insight into τραχύς’s usage. BDAG emphasizes both its literal meaning describing rough terrain and its metaphorical applications. Thayer’s lexicon traces its development in Greek literature from physical description to spiritual metaphor. LSJ documents its extensive use in classical Greek, particularly in geographical and nautical contexts. Vine’s expands on its theological significance in Isaiah’s prophecy about the Messiah’s coming. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its common usage in descriptions of land and travel conditions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough [τραχεῖαι] places smooth.” Luke 3:5

Additional References:
Acts 27:29

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τραχύς powerfully illustrates God’s transformative work in both creation and human lives. Its use in Luke’s gospel, quoting Isaiah’s prophecy, shows how the Messiah’s coming transforms difficult spiritual terrain into smooth paths. This transformation extends beyond physical reality to the spiritual landscape of human hearts and circumstances. Through τραχύς, we see God’s promise to make the rough places of our lives smooth, preparing the way for His kingdom and making straight paths for His people to walk in.

D – Did You Know?

1. τραχύς is the root of the English word “trachea”
2. It was commonly used in ancient sailing terminology
3. Early church writers used it to describe the transformation of character

Strong’s G5138: An adjective meaning “rough” or “uneven,” trachus describes difficult terrain or harsh conditions. In the New Testament, it appears in prophecy about the Messiah’s coming, symbolizing how divine intervention transforms difficult circumstances into smooth paths.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: rough, uneven, difficult, transformation, terrain, prophecy, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, geography, metaphor, spiritual journey​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​