Divine Healing: τραῦμα (Strong’s G5134: trauma) Reveals Messiah’s Compassion

Strong’s G5134: A neuter noun meaning “wound” or “injury,” trauma appears in the parable of the Good Samaritan, symbolizing humanity’s spiritual and physical brokenness. Its usage emphasizes the Messiah’s healing ministry and compassionate care for the wounded.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τραῦμα (trauma) carries deep significance in both its literal and metaphorical meanings. In its primary sense, it refers to a physical wound or injury requiring medical attention. In the New Testament, it appears in the parable of the Good Samaritan, where it serves as a powerful symbol of human suffering and the need for compassionate care. The early church fathers often used τραῦμα metaphorically to describe spiritual wounds and the healing ministry of the Messiah. Today, this word continues to resonate as we understand both physical and spiritual healing as aspects of God’s redemptive work.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τραῦμα, trauma, TROW-mah
• Detailed pronunciation: τραῦ (TROW) + μα (mah)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: τρώω (troo) meaning “to wound”
• Suffix: -μα (-ma) indicating result of action
• No prefixes; basic noun form

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “wound”
• Physical injury
• Hurt requiring treatment
• Result of violence or accident

For compound words: Not applicable as τραῦμα is a simple noun

Translation Options:

1. “wound” – Most precise physical meaning
2. “injury” – Broader medical context
3. “hurt” – General term for damage

E – Exploring Similar Words

πληγή (plege) [play-GAY] – stroke, plague, wound – See G4127
μώλωψ (molops) [MOH-lops] – bruise, welt – See G3468
τραυματίζω (traumatizo) [trow-mah-TEE-zo] – to wound – See G5135

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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

Greek nouns change form based on their function:

• Nominative: τραῦμα (subject)
• Genitive: τραύματος (possession)
• Dative: τραύματι (indirect object)
• Accusative: τραῦμα (direct object)
• Plural forms add appropriate endings

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into τραῦμα’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its primary meaning as a physical wound requiring medical attention. Thayer’s lexicon traces its development from the verb τρώω (to wound). LSJ documents its extensive use in medical literature and general Greek usage. Vine’s expands on its significance in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH provides valuable context from Septuagint usage, particularly in medical contexts. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its common usage in medical documents and injury reports.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“He went to him and bandaged his wounds [τραύματα], pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.” Luke 10:34

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of τραῦμα in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τραῦμα powerfully illustrates both physical and spiritual healing in God’s kingdom. Through its use in the parable of the Good Samaritan, we see a picture of the Messiah’s compassionate care for wounded humanity. Just as the Samaritan treated the man’s physical wounds, Jesus heals our spiritual wounds and restores us to wholeness. This word reminds us that our Lord is the ultimate healer who binds up our wounds and carries our burdens, offering both physical and spiritual healing to all who come to Him.

D – Did You Know?

1. τραῦμα is the origin of our modern word “trauma”
2. It was commonly used in ancient medical texts
3. Early church fathers used it as a metaphor for sin’s effects

Strong’s G5134: A neuter noun meaning “wound” or “injury,” trauma appears in the parable of the Good Samaritan, symbolizing humanity’s spiritual and physical brokenness. Its usage emphasizes the Messiah’s healing ministry and compassionate care for the wounded.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: wound, injury, healing, Good Samaritan, compassion, medical terms, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, parables, mercy, care​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​