a primary verb; to crush:--bruise. Compare ῥήγνυμι.
Transliteration:thraúō
Pronunciation:throw'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb θραύω (thraúō, `{{G2352}}`) is a primary verb carrying the core meaning "to crush" or "to bruise." Its semantic range encompasses the forceful breaking or shattering of something, often implying a significant impact that results in damage or disintegration. While related to other words denoting breaking, θραύω specifically emphasizes the action of being pressed or pounded, leading to a state of being "bruised" or "crushed." The comparison to ῥήγνυμι (rhegnumi, `{{G4486}}`), "to break," "to burst," suggests a common ground in terms of causing disruption, yet θραύω often implies a more profound, perhaps internal, damage resulting from pressure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb θραύω (thraúō, `{{G2352}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in a profoundly significant passage:
* **[[Luke 4:18]]**: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised (τοὺς τεθραυσμένους)."
* This verse is part of Jesus' inaugural sermon in Nazareth, where He reads from the scroll of Isaiah. The phrase "to set at liberty them that are bruised" (ἀποστεῖλαι τεθραυσμένους ἐν ἀφέσει) is a direct quotation from the Septuagint (LXX) version of [[Isaiah 58:6]], where the Hebrew equivalent is רָצוּץ (ratsuts, `{{H7533}}`), meaning "crushed," "oppressed," or "broken."
* In this context, "bruised" is not primarily a physical injury but a metaphorical description of those who are oppressed, downtrodden, or severely afflicted by various forms of suffering. This includes those crushed by social injustice, poverty, illness, or spiritual bondage. Jesus' declaration signifies His mission to bring holistic liberation and restoration to those in such desperate states. The passive perfect participle "τεθραυσμένους" emphasizes a lasting state of being "bruised" or "crushed," indicating deep and pervasive suffering.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ῥήγνυμι (rhegnumi, `{{G4486}}`):** As noted in the base definition, this verb means "to break," "to burst," or "to tear." While both θραύω and ῥήγνυμι involve breaking, θραύω leans more towards the idea of crushing or bruising from pressure or impact, whereas ῥήγνυμι can describe a sudden rupture or tearing.
* **συντρίβω (syntribō, `{{G4937}}`):** Meaning "to break in pieces," "to crush completely," or "to shatter." This compound verb (from σύν "with" and τρίβω "to rub, wear out") often implies a more thorough or complete destruction than θραύω might, though both convey significant damage. In some contexts, they can be used similarly, but συντρίβω often carries the nuance of pulverization.
* **Hebrew Equivalents:**
* רָצוּץ (ratsuts, `{{H7533}}`): "crushed," "oppressed." This is the direct Hebrew parallel in [[Isaiah 58:6]] (LXX), confirming the sense of being downtrodden or broken by external forces.
* דָּכָא (daka, `{{H1792}}`): "to crush," "to break in pieces," "to oppress." This word is often used for a "contrite" or "crushed" spirit (e.g., [[Psalm 34:18]], [[Psalm 51:17]]), highlighting internal brokenness.
* **Concepts:** Oppression, suffering, captivity, affliction, liberation, healing, restoration, the comprehensive nature of salvation.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of θραύω (thraúō, `{{G2352}}`) in [[Luke 4:18]] imbues it with profound theological significance, directly linking it to the core of Jesus' messianic identity and mission.
* **Jesus as the Liberator:** By quoting Isaiah, Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the one anointed by God to bring freedom to those who are "bruised." This speaks to a holistic liberation that transcends mere spiritual salvation, addressing the physical, emotional, social, and economic consequences of a fallen world. The "bruised" represent all who are suffering under the weight of sin, injustice, and human brokenness.
* **Divine Empathy and Intervention:** The use of θραύω underscores God's deep empathy for the suffering of humanity. It portrays a God who does not remain distant but actively intervenes through Christ to alleviate the pain and oppression experienced by His people. The "bruised" are not overlooked but are central to God's redemptive plan.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** This passage highlights the continuity between Old Testament prophecy and its fulfillment in Christ. Jesus' ministry is presented as the culmination of God's long-standing promise to deliver His people from all forms of bondage and affliction.
* **The Scope of the Gospel:** The inclusion of "the bruised" alongside the poor, captives, and blind demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the Gospel. It is good news not just for the spiritually lost, but for all who are broken and suffering in any capacity, offering them release and restoration.
### Summary
θραύω (thraúō, `{{G2352}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to crush" or "to bruise," denoting a state of severe damage or affliction. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 4:18]] is highly significant, appearing in Jesus' declaration of His messianic mission. In this context, "bruised" (τεθραυσμένους) metaphorically describes individuals who are oppressed, broken, or deeply afflicted by various forms of suffering, injustice, or spiritual bondage. This usage underscores Jesus' role as the divine Liberator, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy by bringing comprehensive freedom and healing to those who are downtrodden. The word powerfully conveys God's active empathy and intervention to alleviate human suffering, emphasizing that the Gospel brings restoration to all who are in a state of brokenness.
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