Brief Overview of προσοχθίζω (Strong’s G4360: prosochthizō)

Strong’s G4360: A compound verb expressing deep displeasure and grievance, combining πρός (toward) with ὀχθίζω (to be vexed/burdened). Used particularly of divine displeasure with human disobedience, conveying both emotional and active response to offensive conduct.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσοχθίζω represents a profound emotional and moral response of displeasure or grievance. As a compound word, it combines the intensifying prefix πρός with ὀχθίζω, creating a vivid picture of being weighed down by or bearing a heavy burden of displeasure. In the New Testament, particularly in Hebrews, it expresses God’s righteous indignation toward persistent rebellion and unbelief. The early church understood this term as reflecting the serious nature of divine displeasure while emphasizing God’s patience and desire for repentance. Today, it reminds us of both God’s holiness and His merciful restraint in dealing with human sin.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσοχθίζω, prosochthizō, /pros-okh-THI-zō/
• Detailed pronunciation: pros (as in ‘prose’) + okh (as in ‘oak’) + THI (as in ‘thee’) + zō (as in ‘zo’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros-) – prefix meaning “toward, at”
• ὀχθίζω (ochthizō) – root verb meaning “to be vexed, burdened”
  The combination intensifies the sense of being vexed or bearing a grievance.

D – Defining Meanings

• To be deeply displeased
• To be grieved or offended
• To be weighed down with vexation

For compound words:
The prefix πρός intensifies the base meaning of ὀχθίζω, emphasizing the directed nature and depth of the displeasure or vexation.

Translation Options:

1. “To be greatly displeased with” – Best captures both emotion and moral judgment
2. “To be grieved at” – Emphasizes the emotional weight of the displeasure
3. “To be offended by” – Highlights the reactive nature of the displeasure

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀγανακτέω (aganakteō, /a-ga-nak-TE-ō/) – To be indignant
  See G23
• μισέω (miseō, /mi-SE-ō/) – To hate, detest
  See G3404
• δυσαρεστέω (dysaresteō, /dys-a-res-TE-ō/) – To be displeased
  See G1377

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσοχθίζω exhibits these morphological features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Aorist)

Example morphological variations:

• Present: προσοχθίζω (I am deeply displeased)
• Aorist: προσώχθισα (I was deeply displeased)
• Present Participle: προσοχθίζων (being deeply displeased)

Related words in other parts of speech:

• προσόχθισμα (prosochthisma) – noun form meaning “object of displeasure”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in expressing divine displeasure. Thayer’s notes its frequent occurrence in the Septuagint for God’s reaction to sin. LSJ provides examples of its use in expressing severe moral disapproval. Vine’s highlights its emotional intensity. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature and intensified meaning. Moulton and Milligan note its rare occurrence outside biblical Greek, suggesting its specialized religious usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“Therefore I was [προσοχθίζω] provoked with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways.'” Hebrews 3:10

Additional References:
Hebrews 3:17

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσοχθίζω powerfully expresses God’s deep displeasure with sin while simultaneously revealing His patient character. This word reminds us that God’s holiness demands a response to sin, yet His justice is tempered by mercy. The good news of King Jesus shows us that while our sin provokes divine displeasure, God’s love provides a way of reconciliation through Christ’s sacrifice.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word appears frequently in the Septuagint translation of the Psalms.
2. Early Christian writers used it specifically to describe God’s response to idolatry.
3. The word’s intensity influenced early Christian teaching about repentance and divine patience.

Strong’s G4360: A compound verb expressing deep displeasure and grievance, combining πρός (toward) with ὀχθίζω (to be vexed/burdened). Used particularly of divine displeasure with human disobedience, conveying both emotional and active response to offensive conduct.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: displeasure, divine judgment, grievance, offense, holiness, divine response, rebellion, sin, divine patience, righteousness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​