probably from the base of θροέω; ceremonious in worship (as demonstrative), i.e. pious:--religious.
Transliteration:thrēskós
Pronunciation:thrace'-kos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G2357 (θρησκός, *thrēskós*) is an adjective derived from the same root as G2356 (θρησκεία, *thrēskeia*), which signifies "religion" or "religious worship." Strong's Concordance defines G2357 as "ceremonious in worship (as demonstrative), i.e. pious:--religious." Its etymological connection, possibly to the base of θροέω (*throeō*), meaning "to trouble" or "to be troubled," might suggest a zeal or outward expression born from a deep, perhaps even anxious, concern for religious duties. However, in its New Testament usage, it primarily points to one who is outwardly observant of religious rituals and practices. The term carries a nuance of external performance or adherence to the forms of religion, rather than necessarily indicating genuine inner piety or spiritual transformation. It describes someone who *appears* religious or *thinks* they are religious based on their visible actions or professed beliefs.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G2357 (θρησκός) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle of James:
* [[James 1:26]]: "If anyone thinks he is religious (*thrēskós*) and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless."
In this singular occurrence, James uses *thrēskós* in a highly critical and cautionary manner. The verse immediately contrasts the *perception* of being religious ("thinks he is religious") with the *reality* of one's conduct, specifically the failure to control the tongue. This highlights a disconnect between outward religious observance or self-perception and true, practical godliness. James implies that merely performing religious duties or identifying as religious is insufficient if one's character, particularly in areas like speech, remains unbridled and destructive. The phrase "deceives his heart" further underscores the danger of self-delusion, where an individual may genuinely believe in their piety despite their actions demonstrating otherwise. Here, *thrēskós* points to a superficial, perhaps even hypocritical, form of religiosity that ultimately proves "worthless" (μάταιος, *mataios*).
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding G2357 (θρησκός) is enhanced by examining its relationship to other key terms:
* G2356 (θρησκεία, *thrēskeia*): This noun, meaning "religion" or "religious worship," is directly related. It appears in [[Acts 26:5]] (referring to the strictest party of the Jewish religion), [[Colossians 2:18]] (referring to "worship of angels," a misguided form of piety), and significantly, in [[James 1:26]] and [[James 1:27]]. In [[James 1:26]], it is the "worthless" religion of the *thrēskós* person, while in [[James 1:27]], James defines "pure and undefiled religion" as caring for orphans and widows and keeping oneself unstained from the world. This contrast is crucial: *thrēskós* describes the person who practices the empty form of *thrēskeia*, while [[James 1:27]] defines the true, active *thrēskeia*.
* G2150 (εὐσέβεια, *eusebeia*): Often translated as "godliness" or "piety," this term typically denotes genuine reverence, devotion, and practical righteousness rooted in a right relationship with God. Unlike *thrēskós*, which can imply mere outward show, *eusebeia* emphasizes an internal disposition that manifests in righteous living. James's concept of "pure and undefiled religion" in [[James 1:27]] aligns more closely with *eusebeia* than with the superficial *thrēskós* of [[James 1:26]].
* G2041 (ἔργον, *ergon*): "Work" or "deed." James's epistle famously emphasizes that "faith without works is dead" ([[James 2:26]]). The *thrēskós* person in [[James 1:26]] is critiqued precisely because their outward religious identity is not accompanied by the necessary "works" of self-control and ethical conduct.
* G1342 (δίκαιος, *dikaios*): "Righteous." True piety, as advocated by James, is inherently righteous, demonstrating justice and integrity in action, which stands in stark contrast to the performative religiosity of the *thrēskós*.
### Theological Significance
The single use of G2357 (θρησκός) in [[James 1:26]] carries profound theological weight, serving as a sharp critique of superficiality in faith.
1. **Critique of Externalism:** James uses *thrēskós* to warn against a form of religiosity that prioritizes outward appearance, ritual, or self-identification over genuine inner transformation and ethical living. It highlights the danger of mistaking adherence to religious forms for true spiritual devotion.
2. **Emphasis on Practical Righteousness:** The passage immediately links the failure of the "religious" person to their inability to "bridle his tongue." This underscores a core New Testament principle: true faith is not merely intellectual assent or ceremonial observance, but a living, active force that shapes one's character and actions, particularly in areas of self-control, love, and justice.
3. **The Nature of True Religion:** By contrasting the "worthless" religion of the *thrēskós* with the "pure and undefiled religion" described in [[James 1:27]] (caring for the vulnerable and remaining unstained by the world), James provides a powerful definition of authentic faith. True religion is not about what one *says* or *appears* to be, but about what one *does* in compassion and purity.
4. **Danger of Self-Deception:** The phrase "deceives his heart" in [[James 1:26]] is a severe warning. It implies that one can be deeply mistaken about their spiritual standing, believing themselves to be pious while their actions betray a lack of genuine godliness. This calls believers to rigorous self-examination and a humble reliance on God's grace for true transformation.
### Summary
The Greek word G2357 (θρησκός, *thrēskós*) describes someone who is outwardly religious or ceremonious in their worship. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[James 1:26]] presents it in a negative light, highlighting a form of religiosity that is superficial and ultimately "worthless." James uses *thrēskós* to critique individuals who may perceive themselves as pious based on external observance but fail to demonstrate genuine inner transformation, particularly in areas of self-control like bridling the tongue. This word, therefore, serves as a powerful cautionary term, distinguishing between a performative, self-deceptive piety and the authentic, active faith characterized by practical righteousness, compassion for the vulnerable, and separation from worldly defilement, as exemplified in [[James 1:27]]. It underscores the biblical emphasis on the heart's condition and the necessity of faith being demonstrated through tangible, righteous deeds.
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