Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in biblical studies to gain deeper insights into the meanings and contexts of New Testament passages. The Greek word θραύω (thráō) is particularly significant because it means “to break,” “to shatter,” or “to crush.” This word appears in contexts where it symbolizes physical breaking or metaphorical acts of breaking, such as breaking hearts or spirits. By examining the usage of θραύω, we better understand the New Testament’s themes of destruction, restoration, and healing, as well as gain insight into ancient Greek culture’s approach to such concepts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: θραύω (thráō) [THRAH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek root θραυ- (thrau-), meaning “to break” or “to shatter.” The verb θραύω specifically denotes the act of breaking or crushing something.
• Part of Speech: Verb; used to describe the action of breaking or shattering, both in a literal and metaphorical sense.
• Grammatical Details: Regular verb; conjugated to indicate different tenses, voices, and moods.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To break: To cause something to separate into pieces or to fracture.
• To shatter: To break into many small fragments.
• To crush: To compress with force, causing it to break or be destroyed.

Similar Words: κατασπάω (kataspáō) [ka-ta-SPAH-oh] is another Greek verb meaning “to tear down” or “to pull down.” While κατασπάω often emphasizes the destruction of a structure or an organized system, θραύω focuses more on the act of breaking or shattering into pieces, often emphasizing the force or violence involved. Another related word is συντρίβω (syntríbō) [syn-TREE-bo], which means “to crush” or “to bruise.” While συντρίβω refers to breaking into smaller pieces, θραύω can denote both breaking and crushing but often with a broader connotation.

Further Insights: As a verb, θραύω follows a common conjugation pattern in Greek grammar. Below is a table with the present indicative active form of θραύω:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: θραύω is defined as “to break, to shatter.” BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts where objects or entities are broken or crushed, whether physically or metaphorically, to denote destruction or severe damage.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Thayer’s describes θραύω as “to break in pieces, to shatter,” focusing on its usage to depict both literal breaking and metaphorical breaking, such as a broken spirit or heart. It highlights the word’s application in expressing the consequences of severe trials or divine judgment.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Vine’s discusses θραύω in terms of its literal and figurative meanings. It emphasizes how the term is used to describe both the physical act of breaking something apart and the figurative sense of breaking down barriers, pride, or strongholds in a spiritual context.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): The LSJ lexicon provides a comprehensive overview of θραύω, from its basic meaning of “to break” or “to shatter” in everyday contexts to its more abstract uses in literature and philosophy, where it may signify the breaking of wills, spirits, or other non-physical entities.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: G2352. Strong’s defines θραύω as “to crush, to break in pieces,” noting its usage in describing actions that result in something being destroyed or severely damaged, whether literally or metaphorically.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 12:20: “A bruised reed he will not break (θραύσει), and a smoldering wick he will not quench, till he brings justice to victory.”
• Luke 4:18: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted (τεθραυσμένους), to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.”

Classical Usage

Summary of θραύω (G2352)

The Greek verb θραύω (thráō) primarily means “to break,” “to shatter,” or “to crush.” It is used in both literal and metaphorical contexts in the New Testament and classical literature. In biblical teachings, it describes the breaking of physical objects, like spears or walls, and the more metaphorical breaking of hearts, spirits, or wills. The term frequently appears in passages discussing themes of destruction, restoration, and divine healing. Understanding θραύω helps in interpreting biblical passages that speak to the transformative processes of breaking and rebuilding, both physically and spiritually.

Did You Know?

The Greek verb θραύω is often used in both literature and scripture to describe not only physical breaking but also emotional and spiritual experiences. In Greek tragedy, θραύω is employed to depict the shattering effects of grief, betrayal, or divine wrath. In the New Testament, it is closely associated with the healing of the “broken-hearted” and the restoration of those crushed by sin or suffering. This duality of usage highlights the deep cultural and theological significance of the concept of breaking and the subsequent healing or rebuilding that follows. Understanding θραύω provides valuable insights into the ways both ancient Greeks and early Christians viewed the processes of destruction and redemption.