Brief Overview of παροργισμός (Strong’s G3950: parorgismos)

Strong’s G3950: A compound noun derived from παροργίζω (to provoke to anger), meaning “wrath, anger, or provocation.” Used in Ephesians 4:26 regarding the proper handling of anger and its temporal limits. Emphasizes both the legitimacy of righteous anger and the danger of prolonged wrath.

U- Unveiling the Word

παροργισμός represents not just anger itself but the state of being provoked to anger. In Ephesians, it appears in Paul’s teaching about legitimate anger that must not be allowed to fester. The compound structure suggests anger that builds up or intensifies. Early church fathers used this term to discuss the proper role of righteous indignation while warning against sinful wrath. Today, it guides believers in handling anger appropriately within Christian life.

N – Necessary Information

  • Greek Word: παροργισμός, parorgismos, /par-or-gis-MOS/
  • Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + or + gis + MOS (stressed)
  • Part of Speech: Noun
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Etymology:

  • παρα- (para-): beside, beyond
  • ὀργή (orgē): anger, wrath
  • -μός (-mos): noun suffix indicating state/condition

D – Defining Meanings

  • Provocation to anger
  • State of wrath
  • Prolonged anger

For compound words:
παρα- intensifies the base concept of anger, while -μός forms an abstract noun describing the resulting state

Translation Options:

  • “Wrath” – emphasizes intensity
  • “Provocation” – focuses on cause
  • “Angry mood” – captures the state

E – Exploring Similar Words

  • ὀργή (orgē) /or-GAY/ – wrath, more basic term
  • θυμός (thymos) /thoo-MOS/ – passion, hot anger
  • ἀγανάκτησις (aganaktēsis) /ag-an-AK-tay-sis/ – indignation

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, παροργισμός exhibits:

  • Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
  • Number: Singular, Plural
  • Gender: Masculine
  • Declension: 2nd

Examples:
παροργισμός (nom.)
παροργισμοῦ (gen.)
παροργισμῷ (dat.)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its temporal aspect. Thayer’s notes its connection to provocation. LSJ documents usage for sustained anger. Vine’s highlights its implications for Christian conduct. Moulton and Milligan note its intensity.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your [παροργισμός] anger” (Ephesians 4:26)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: WorkText
Demosthenes: Orations“The people’s [παροργισμός] wrath grew against the tyrant”
Plutarch: Moralia“His [παροργισμός] anger continued unabated”
Josephus: Antiquities“The [παροργισμός] provocation led to conflict”

N – Noteworthy Summary

παροργισμός describes a state of provoked anger that requires careful management, particularly in Christian relationships and spiritual life.

D – Did You Know?

  • The term appears uniquely in Ephesians in the New Testament
  • It influenced Christian teaching on anger management
  • The word distinguishes between righteous and unrighteous anger

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound noun derived from παροργίζω (to provoke to anger), meaning “wrath, anger, or provocation.” Used in Ephesians 4:26 regarding the proper handling of anger and its temporal limits. Emphasizes both the legitimacy of righteous anger and the danger of prolonged wrath.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #noun #anger #ephesians #emotions #self_control #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #christian_life #relationships​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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