Divine Deliverance: τρίζω (Strong’s G5149: trizo) Reveals Demonic Opposition

Strong’s G5149: A verb meaning “to grate” or “gnash,” trizo appears in describing demonic manifestation through teeth grinding. In the New Testament, it occurs in a significant healing narrative demonstrating the Messiah’s authority over evil spirits.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τρίζω (trizo) is an onomatopoeic verb that mimics the sound of grinding or gnashing. In the New Testament, it appears specifically in the context of demonic manifestation, describing the violent grinding of teeth during spiritual oppression. Its use highlights the physical manifestations of spiritual warfare and the need for divine intervention. The early church fathers often referenced τρίζω when discussing spiritual warfare and demonic opposition. Today, this word continues to remind believers of both the reality of spiritual conflict and the Messiah’s complete authority over evil powers.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τρίζω, trizo, TREE-zo
• Detailed pronunciation: τρί (TREE) + ζω (zo)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Onomatopoeic root imitating grinding sound
• No prefixes or suffixes
• Basic verb form

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “to grate”
• To gnash (teeth)
• To make grinding noise
• To creak or grind

For compound words: Not applicable as τρίζω is a simple verb

Translation Options:

1. “to gnash” – Most common in teeth context
2. “to grate” – General grinding action
3. “to grind” – Physical action emphasis

E – Exploring Similar Words

βρύχω (brucho) [BROO-kho] – to gnash teeth – See G1031
τρύζω (truzo) [TROO-zo] – to growl/murmur – See G5178
κρίζω (krizo) [KREE-zo] – to screech – See G2905

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative/Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Imperfective

The verb changes form based on usage:

• Present active: τρίζω (I grind)
• Present participle: τρίζων (grinding)
• Imperfect: ἔτριζον (was grinding)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide insight into τρίζω’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its onomatopoeic nature and specific use in demonic manifestation. Thayer’s lexicon traces its development from sound imitation to physical action. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek for various grinding sounds. Vine’s expands on its theological significance in spiritual warfare contexts. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its use in describing various grinding or grating sounds.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes [τρίζει] his teeth and becomes rigid.” Mark 9:18

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Homer: Iliad	“The chariot wheels grated [τρίζω] against the ground.”
Aristophanes: Birds	“The door hinges creaked [τρίζω] as they opened.”
Theocritus: Idylls	“The cicada made its grinding [τρίζω] sound.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τρίζω powerfully illustrates the physical manifestation of spiritual oppression, but more importantly, points to the Messiah’s authority over evil forces. In the narrative where it appears, we see Jesus’ complete power to deliver and heal. This word reminds us that while spiritual opposition is real, the good news is that King Jesus has overcome all evil powers. Through τρίζω, we witness both the reality of spiritual warfare and the greater reality of the Messiah’s victory.

D – Did You Know?

1. τρίζω is an onomatopoeic word imitating grinding sounds
2. It appears in ancient medical texts describing symptoms
3. Early church writings used it to describe manifestations of spiritual oppression

Strong’s G5149: A verb meaning “to grate” or “gnash,” trizo appears in describing demonic manifestation through teeth grinding. In the New Testament, it occurs in a significant healing narrative demonstrating the Messiah’s authority over evil spirits.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: gnash, grind, spiritual warfare, demonic manifestation, healing, deliverance, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, spiritual opposition, authority, victory​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​