Brief Overview of στρηνιάω (Strong’s G4763: strēniaō)

Strong’s G4763: To live luxuriously, sensually, or wantonly. From στρῆνος (excessive strength, luxury). Used in Revelation to describe self-indulgent living that leads to spiritual pride and rebellion against God. Depicts the arrogant self-sufficiency that characterizes those opposed to God’s kingdom.

U- Unveiling the Word

Στρηνιάω represents more than mere luxury; it describes a lifestyle of self-indulgent excess that breeds spiritual arrogance. In Revelation, it characterizes Babylon’s proud self-sufficiency and rebellion against God. The early church saw in this term a warning against worldly excess that leads to spiritual destruction. Today, στρηνιάω continues to warn believers about the spiritual dangers of materialistic self-indulgence and the pride it nurtures.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στρηνιάω, strēniaō, /stray-nee-ah’-o/
• Detailed Pronunciation: stray-nee-AH-oh (emphasis on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root word: στρῆνος (strēnos) – “excess, luxury”
• -ιάω (-iaō) – verb-forming suffix indicating state or condition
  The combination indicates living in a state of excess.

D – Defining Meanings

• To live luxuriously
• To be self-indulgent
• To behave arrogantly from wealth
• To live sensually and wantonly

For compound words: Not applicable as στρηνιάω is a simple verb.

Translation Options:

1. “To live luxuriously” – Emphasizes material excess
2. “To be self-indulgent” – Captures moral aspect
3. “To live wantonly” – Highlights rebellious nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

1. τρυφάω (tryphaō) /troo-fah’-o/ – to live in pleasure. See G5171
2. σπαταλάω (spatalaō) /spat-al-ah’-o/ – to live wantonly. See G4684
3. χλιδάω (chlidaō) /khlee-dah’-o/ – to luxuriate, be delicate. See G5548

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, στρηνιάω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present/Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Aspect: Continuous/Progressive

Examples of conjugation:

• Present: στρηνιῶ (I live luxuriously), στρηνιᾷς (you live luxuriously)
• Aorist: ἐστρηνίασα (I lived luxuriously)
• Perfect: ἐστρηνίακα (I have lived luxuriously)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to arrogant luxury. Thayer’s notes its moral implications. LSJ documents its use describing excessive living. Vine’s highlights its spiritual dangers. Strong’s connects it to sensual indulgence. Moulton and Milligan show its use in criticizing wasteful living.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

“To the degree that she glorified herself and [στρηνιάω] lived sensuously, to the same degree give her torment and mourning.” Revelation 18:7

Additional References:
Revelation 18:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Στρηνιάω powerfully warns against the spiritual dangers of materialism and self-indulgence. As seen in Revelation’s critique of Babylon, such living leads to pride and rebellion against God. The Gospel calls us instead to find our sufficiency in the Messiah, rejecting worldly excess for Kingdom values.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word influenced early Christian teachings on asceticism.
2. It appears in ancient moral writings criticizing Roman excess.
3. Early church fathers used it to contrast worldly and spiritual riches.

Strong’s G4763: To live luxuriously, sensually, or wantonly. From στρῆνος (excessive strength, luxury). Used in Revelation to describe self-indulgent living that leads to spiritual pride and rebellion against God. Depicts the arrogant self-sufficiency that characterizes those opposed to God’s kingdom.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: luxury, self-indulgence, materialism, worldliness, excess, babylon, judgment, pride, rebellion, greek-verb​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​