### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1031}}` (βρύχω, *brýchō*) is a primary verb, indicating a fundamental action rather than a derivative one. Its core meaning is "to grate the teeth" or "to gnash the teeth." The definition explicitly associates this physical action with intense internal states, specifically "in pain or rage." This highlights that *brýchō* is not merely a description of a sound or movement, but a visceral manifestation of profound emotional or physical distress. The act of gnashing teeth conveys a sense of uncontrollable anguish, frustration, or violent fury, often suggesting a lack of articulate expression for such extreme internal turmoil.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G1031}}` appears in two significant contexts within the New Testament, both underscoring its connection to intense suffering or violent emotion:
1. **Mark 9:18**: In this passage, the father of a demon-possessed boy describes the spirit's effect on his son: "And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth and `{{G1031}}` his teeth and becomes rigid." (βρύχει τοὺς ὀδόντας αὐτοῦ). Here, the gnashing of teeth is presented as a symptom of demonic oppression. It conveys the violent, uncontrollable nature of the spirit's influence, manifesting as physical torment and perhaps a reflection of the demon's own malevolence or the boy's agony. It is part of a cluster of severe physical reactions, emphasizing the destructive power of the demonic.
2. **Acts 7:54**: Following Stephen's powerful and convicting sermon before the Sanhedrin, the text states: "Now when they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they `{{G1031}}` on him with their teeth." (ἔβρυχον τοὺς ὀδόντας ἐπ' αὐτόν). In this context, the gnashing of teeth is a clear and dramatic expression of intense rage, fury, and violent indignation. It signifies their visceral rejection of Stephen's message and their profound hostility towards the truth he proclaimed. This physical reaction immediately precedes their violent stoning of Stephen, underscoring the depth of their unbridled anger and murderous intent.
In both instances, *brýchō* denotes a forceful, involuntary, or highly charged physical action that reveals extreme internal states of suffering or rage.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{G1031}}` includes concepts related to intense emotional and physical distress. Most notably, it is intrinsically linked to its noun form, `{{G970}}` (βρυγμός, *brygmos*), which means "gnashing" or "grinding of teeth." While *brýchō* describes the act, *brygmos* describes the state or consequence, and it is a prominent term in the Synoptic Gospels.
Other related concepts include:
* **Anger and Fury**: Words like `{{G2372}}` (θυμός, *thymos*) and `{{G3709}}` (ὀργή, *orgē*) describe the internal state of wrath that *brýchō* can outwardly express.
* **Pain and Torment**: Terms such as `{{G3601}}` (ὀδύνη, *odynē*) for pain or `{{G928}}` (βασανίζω, *basanizō*) for torment resonate with the suffering implied by gnashing teeth, particularly in contexts of demonic affliction.
* In the Septuagint, while `{{G1031}}` itself does not have a direct, consistent Hebrew equivalent, the imagery of gnashing teeth appears (e.g., [[Job 16:9]], [[Psalm 35:16]], [[Psalm 37:12]], [[Lamentations 2:16]]) often to describe the malice of enemies or the anguish of the afflicted. The Hebrew verb `{{H2786}}` (charak) can denote "gnashing" or "grinding" teeth in some contexts.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1031}}` is profound, largely due to its close association with the noun `{{G970}}` (*brygmos*), "gnashing of teeth," which is a recurring descriptor of the suffering in hell or "outer darkness" in Jesus' parables (e.g., [[Matthew 8:12]], [[Matthew 13:42]], [[Matthew 13:50]], [[Matthew 22:13]], [[Matthew 24:51]], [[Matthew 25:30]]; [[Luke 13:28]]).
1. **Manifestation of Evil and Suffering**: In [[Mark 9:18]], *brýchō* vividly portrays the destructive power of demonic forces and the physical agony they inflict. It serves as a stark reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare and the urgent need for divine deliverance.
2. **Rejection of Truth and Unrepentant Rage**: In [[Acts 7:54]], the gnashing of teeth by the Sanhedrin is a powerful symbol of human rebellion against God's truth and His Spirit. It represents the ultimate, visceral rejection of the Gospel message and the messengers of God. This uncontrolled fury signifies a heart utterly hardened against divine revelation, leading to violent opposition.
3. **Eschatological Anguish**: The most significant theological implication arises from the connection to `{{G970}}`. The act of gnashing teeth becomes a potent symbol of the eternal anguish, frustration, and futile rage of those who are cast out from God's presence. It is a picture of torment that stems not only from external suffering but also from internal, unrepentant bitterness and regret. The gnashing signifies a state of ultimate, unresolved despair and resentment against divine judgment, a self-inflicted torment born of a heart that refused to yield to God's grace.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G1031}}` (βρύχω, *brýchō*) precisely describes the physical act of gnashing or grinding the teeth. This action is consistently portrayed in the New Testament as an outward manifestation of extreme internal states: either intense physical pain and suffering, particularly under demonic oppression ([[Mark 9:18]]), or violent, unbridled rage and furious rejection of truth ([[Acts 7:54]]). Its theological weight is significantly amplified by its close relationship with the noun `{{G970}}` (*brygmos*), "gnashing of teeth," which Jesus repeatedly uses to depict the profound and futile anguish of those in eternal judgment. Thus, *brýchō* serves as a powerful, visceral image of profound distress, unrepentant fury, and the ultimate, self-consuming torment of those who stand in opposition to God.
TRV