Divine Gentleness: τύφω (Strong’s G5188: typhō) Reveals Messiah’s Tender Care

Strong’s G5188: A primary verb meaning to emit smoke, smolder, or burn slowly. In New Testament usage, appears metaphorically in a prophecy about the Messiah’s gentle treatment of those whose faith is weak, likened to a smoldering wick He won’t extinguish.

U – Unveiling the Word

τύφω originally described the physical process of smoking or smoldering, particularly of a flame that’s barely alive. In its New Testament context, it appears in a profound metaphorical usage describing the Messiah’s gentle treatment of struggling faith. The image of not quenching a smoldering wick beautifully illustrates His tender care for those whose faith is weak or wavering. The early church understood this term as a powerful testament to divine patience and nurturing grace. Today, it continues to reassure believers that the Messiah tenderly cares for and sustains even the weakest faith.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τύφω, typhō, /ˈty.foː/
• Pronunciation: TOO-foh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: τυφ- (typh-) primary root meaning “to smoke”
• Suffix: -ω (-ō) primary verb ending
• Function: Forms a primary verb indicating the action of smoking or smoldering

D – Defining Meanings

• To emit smoke
• To smolder
• To burn slowly
• To be barely alight

For compound words: Not applicable as τύφω is not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “To smolder” – Best captures the slow burning aspect
• “To smoke” – Emphasizes the visible effect
• “To burn dimly” – Reflects the state of near extinction

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καπνίζω (kapnizō, /kapˈni.zoː/) – to emit smoke See G2743
• σβέννυμι (sbennymi, /ˈzben.ny.mi/) – to extinguish See G4570
• καίω (kaiō, /ˈkai.oː/) – to burn, light See G2545

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Middle/Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Progressive

Examples:

• Present Active: τύφω (I smoke/smolder)
• Present Passive: τύφομαι (I am smoking/smoldering)
• Present Participle: τύφων (smoking/smoldering)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources reveal τύφω’s rich metaphorical significance. BDAG emphasizes its use in the Messianic prophecy quoted in Matthew. Thayer’s notes its primary meaning of smoking or smoldering. LSJ documents its broad usage in classical literature for slow burning. Vine’s highlights its metaphorical application to weak faith. Strong’s connects it to the concept of smoking without flame. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in describing various stages of burning. The word particularly emphasizes the state of being nearly, but not completely, extinguished.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 12:20: “A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking [τύφω] flax He will not quench, till He sends forth justice to victory.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in Scripture.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τύφω powerfully illustrates the Messiah’s tender care for struggling believers. The image of a smoldering wick that He refuses to quench reveals His gentle nature and patient nurturing of weak faith. This brings good news to those who feel their faith is barely alive – King Jesus doesn’t break bruised reeds or extinguish smoking flax. Instead, He gently fans the smallest spark of faith into flame, demonstrating His perfect combination of power and gentleness.

D – Did You Know?

1. τύφω is the root of our word “typhoon” due to its association with smoke-like clouds
2. Ancient medical texts used τύφω to describe low-grade fevers
3. Early church writers used this word to describe the state of struggling but not extinguished faith

Strong’s G5188: A primary verb describing the process of smoking or smoldering, used metaphorically in Matthew’s gospel to illustrate the Messiah’s gentle treatment of weak faith, emphasizing His nurturing care for those whose spiritual life seems barely alive.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: smoldering, weak faith, gentleness, divine care, patience, nurture, hope, preservation, Messiah’s character, spiritual growth, encouragement, restoration​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​