from a prolonged compound of the base of θροέω; and a derivative of ἅπτομαι (meaning a noisy iambus, sung in honor of Bacchus); to make an acclamatory procession, i.e. (figuratively) to conquer or (by Hebraism) to give victory:--(cause) to triumph (over).
Transliteration:thriambeúō
Pronunciation:three-am-byoo'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb θριαμβεύω (thriambeúō, `{{G2358}}`) derives from a concept related to a boisterous, celebratory procession, specifically evoking the imagery of a Roman triumphal parade. Its core meaning encompasses the act of leading or participating in such a victory procession. Semantically, it extends to "to conquer" or "to lead in triumph." A crucial nuance, particularly in its biblical usage, is the "Hebraism" identified in its base definition: "to give victory." This implies that the ultimate source of the triumph is often God, who enables or grants the victory, rather than solely the human agent performing the act. The word thus carries connotations of public display, decisive victory, and divine empowerment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word θριαμβεύω (thriambeúō, `{{G2358}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, yet each instance is profoundly significant:
* **[[2 Corinthians 2:14]]**: "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place."
* Here, God is the active subject, the one who "leads us in triumph." The "us" refers to Paul and his fellow apostles, and by extension, all believers. This imagery casts believers as part of Christ's victorious procession. Far from being defeated, they are paradoxically "captives" in Christ's glorious train, a captivity that signifies liberation from sin and death and joyful submission to the ultimate Victor. The subsequent mention of "the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him" further strengthens the triumphal imagery, as incense was burned during Roman triumphs, signifying both victory and judgment.
* **[[Colossians 2:15]]**: "When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them through Him." (or "in it," referring to the cross).
* In this verse, Christ Himself is the triumphant general. The "rulers and authorities" refer to cosmic spiritual powers hostile to God. The cross, seemingly an instrument of defeat and humiliation, is here revealed as the very means by which Christ decisively conquered these powers. The phrase "made a public spectacle of them" (δείγματίζω) perfectly aligns with the Roman triumph, where defeated enemies were paraded in chains before the victorious general. Thus, the cross is presented as Christ's ultimate victory parade, a public display of His triumph over all opposing forces.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of θριαμβεύω (thriambeúō, `{{G2358}}`) is enriched by considering its conceptual connections:
* **Roman Triumph:** The cultural background of the Roman triumphal procession is indispensable. This elaborate ceremony involved a victorious general, his army, spoils of war, and often captured enemies paraded through the city, culminating in sacrifices and public celebrations. This imagery informs both Paul's uses of the word.
* **Victory and Conquest:** Related Greek terms include νικάω (nikáō, `{{G3528}}`, to conquer, overcome), which denotes a more general sense of victory in conflict. θριαμβεύω, however, adds the specific nuance of a public, celebrated display of that victory.
* **Spiritual Warfare:** In [[Colossians 2:15]], the word directly relates to Christ's victory over spiritual principalities, connecting it to the broader New Testament theme of spiritual combat and the defeat of demonic forces.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The emphasis on God as the one who "leads in triumph" (2 Corinthians) or Christ as the one who "triumphs over" (Colossians) highlights the ultimate divine initiative and power in bringing about salvation and victory.
* **Incense/Aroma:** The "sweet aroma" in [[2 Corinthians 2:14]] links to the practice of burning incense during triumphs, which was a "fragrance of life to life" for the victors and a "fragrance of death to death" for the vanquished.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of θριαμβεύω (thriambeúō, `{{G2358}}`) is substantial:
* **God's Ultimate Victory:** Both occurrences underscore God's absolute sovereignty and Christ's decisive victory over all opposing forces, whether they be spiritual powers or the circumstances of life. The triumph is always God's, not merely human.
* **The Paradox of the Cross:** [[Colossians 2:15]] presents a profound theological paradox. What appeared to be Christ's greatest humiliation and defeat—His crucifixion—is revealed as His ultimate act of triumph. The cross is not a sign of weakness but the very instrument by which He disarmed and publicly shamed the cosmic powers of evil.
* **Believer's Participation in Christ's Triumph:** In [[2 Corinthians 2:14]], believers are not merely spectators but are actively "led in triumph" by God in Christ. This signifies a willing and joyful submission to Christ's Lordship, where their lives become a living testament to His victory. Their witness and ministry become part of His ongoing triumphal procession, spreading the knowledge of Him like a pervasive aroma.
* **Security in Christ:** For the believer, being "led in triumph" by God offers profound security. It means that Christ has already conquered the forces that would oppose them, and they are now part of His victorious train, assured of His protection and ultimate victory.
### Summary
The Greek word θριαμβεύω (thriambeúō, `{{G2358}}`) vividly depicts a triumphal procession, drawing upon the powerful imagery of a Roman military victory. Its two New Testament occurrences illuminate critical aspects of Christian theology. In [[2 Corinthians 2:14]], it portrays God as the one who graciously "leads us in triumph in Christ," casting believers as willing participants in Christ's glorious procession, through whom the knowledge of God is spread like a fragrant aroma. This emphasizes divine initiative and the believer's joyful surrender. In [[Colossians 2:15]], the word describes Christ Himself "triumphing over" the disarmed spiritual rulers and authorities through the cross. This profound declaration reframes the cross not as a defeat, but as the ultimate instrument of Christ's public and decisive victory over evil. Together, these uses underscore God's supreme sovereignty, the paradoxical nature of the cross as the site of ultimate victory, and the believer's privileged and secure position within Christ's ongoing, cosmic triumph.
TRV