Strong’s G5327: A noun meaning “ravine, valley, or gorge.” Used metaphorically in Luke’s quotation of Isaiah to describe God’s transformative work in preparing the way for the Messiah. Represents spiritual obstacles being removed and inequalities being leveled in preparation for divine visitation.

U- Unveiling the Word

The noun φάραγξ describes a ravine, valley, or deep gorge in the landscape, often representing challenging terrain that needs to be navigated. In its New Testament context, it appears in Luke’s quotation of Isaiah’s prophecy about preparing the way for the Messiah, where it takes on profound spiritual significance. The filling in of valleys represents God’s work of lifting up the lowly and removing obstacles to His coming. The early church saw in this word a powerful metaphor for God’s transformative work in human hearts and society, leveling spiritual inequalities. Today, φάραγξ continues to remind us that God’s redemptive work includes transforming both spiritual and social landscapes.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φάραγξ, pharagx, far’-anx
• Pronunciation Guide: far (as in “far”) + anx (as in “tanks”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From primitive root meaning “to break forth” or “divide”
• No prefixes or suffixes
  A primary noun describing a natural geological formation

D – Defining Meanings

• Ravine
• Valley
• Gorge
• Deep cleft in earth

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a primary noun

Translation Options:

• “Valley” – emphasizes the depression aspect
• “Ravine” – stresses the steep-sided nature
• “Gorge” – captures both depth and narrowness

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κοιλάς (koilas, koy-las’) – valley, low place See G2874
• αὐλών (aulōn, ow-lone’) – channel, valley See G840
• χάσμα (chasma, khas’-mah) – chasm, gulf See G5490

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Examples of declension:

• Nominative: φάραγξ
• Genitive: φάραγγος
• Dative: φάραγγι
• Accusative: φάραγγα

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide rich understanding of φάραγξ. BDAG emphasizes its literal geographical meaning while noting its metaphorical use in Luke. Thayer’s explores its connection to Isaiah’s prophecy and its spiritual significance. LSJ documents its extensive use in classical Greek for describing challenging terrain. Vine’s particularly notes its symbolic meaning in preparing the way for the Lord. Strong’s connects it to the concept of a gap or chasm in the earth. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in describing geographical features in ancient land records.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 3:5: “Every valley [φάραγξ] shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word φάραγξ powerfully illustrates God’s transformative work in preparing the way for His Messiah. Just as valleys need to be filled for a royal highway, so God lifts up the lowly and removes obstacles that prevent people from encountering Him. The good news is that King Jesus came to transform every aspect of creation, including the deep ravines of human society and individual lives. This leveling work continues today as the Gospel breaks down barriers and lifts up those in life’s lowest places.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was commonly used in ancient engineering documents about road construction.
2. Early Christian writers saw φάραγξ as a symbol of social inequalities needing transformation.
3. The term influenced early Christian architecture in valley monasteries and churches.

Strong’s G5327: A noun meaning “ravine, valley, or gorge.” Used metaphorically in Luke’s quotation of Isaiah to describe God’s transformative work in preparing the way for the Messiah. Represents spiritual obstacles being removed and inequalities being leveled in preparation for divine visitation.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: valley, ravine, transformation, leveling, preparation, Isaiah, prophecy, John-the-Baptist, divine-visitation, obstacles, social-justice, equality, landscape, geography, spiritual-preparation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​