The Greek word thrómbos, represented by G2361, means a clot or great drop. It is an exceedingly rare term, appearing just 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its base definition suggests a thickening process, giving it a very specific and vivid physical meaning.
The sole appearance of G2361 is in the account of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. The scripture describes that while being in an agony G74, Jesus prayed more earnestly G1617, and his sweat became like great drops of blood that were falling down G2597 to the ground G1093 Luke 22:44. This word captures the physical extremity of Christ's anguish before his crucifixion.
Several words from its only context help define the scene:
- G74 agōnía (agony): Meaning "a struggle (properly, the state), i.e. (figuratively) anguish," this word establishes the intense state of distress that produced the physical reaction described in the verse Luke 22:44.
- G2402 hidrṓs (sweat): Defined as "perspiration," this is the substance that was physically altered, becoming like great drops G2361 of blood Luke 22:44.
- G129 haîma (blood): This word for blood provides the comparison for the great drops, illustrating the severity and nature of Christ's sweat during his prayer Luke 22:44.
- G1093 gē (ground): Defined as "soil" or "earth," this is where the great drops G2361 fell, grounding the supernatural event in a physical reality Luke 22:44.
The theological weight of G2361 is concentrated in its single, powerful use.
- Intensity of Anguish: The use of G2361 is directly linked to Christ's agony G74 and his praying more earnestly G1617, showing a physical manifestation of an unparalleled spiritual and emotional struggle Luke 22:44.
- The Reality of Christ's Suffering: The description of his sweat becoming like great drops G2361 of blood G129 emphasizes the profound physical toll of his ordeal. It wasn't just an emotional experience but one that pushed his body to its limits.
- A Unique Phenomenon: The singular use of thrómbos in all of scripture marks this moment as unique. It highlights the depth of Christ's prayerful struggle as something beyond ordinary human experience, where his perspiration took on the quality of blood Luke 22:44.
In summary, G2361 is a highly specific term used once to convey an extraordinary physical event. Its appearance in Luke's Gospel vividly portrays the depth of Christ's suffering in Gethsemane. The word thrómbos transforms the act of prayerful agony into a tangible, visceral image, forever marking the intensity of his submission as his sweat fell like great drops of blood to the ground.
TRV