from a presumed compound of θυμός and μάχομαι; to be in a furious fight, i.e. (figuratively) to be exasperated:--be highly displeased.
Transliteration:thymomachéō
Pronunciation:thoo-mom-akh-eh'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb θυμομαχέω (thymomachéō, `{{G2371}}`) is a compound word derived from θυμός (thymos, `{{G2372}}`), meaning "passion, wrath, anger," and μάχομαι (machomai, `{{G3164}}`), meaning "to fight, contend." Etymologically, it suggests "to fight with passion" or "to be in a furious fight." However, its primary usage, particularly in the New Testament, is figurative, denoting an intense internal state of displeasure or exasperation. It describes a deep-seated anger or indignation that creates a hostile disposition. The English translation "to be highly displeased" captures this nuance, indicating a profound and potentially volatile state of emotional antagonism rather than a physical altercation. It implies a strong, often sustained, feeling of animosity or resentment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term θυμομαχέω (thymomachéō, `{{G2371}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 12:20]]. The passage describes Herod Agrippa I's disposition towards the people of Tyre and Sidon: "Now Herod was highly displeased with the people of Tyre and Sidon." The Greek reads: "Ἦν δὲ θυμομαχῶν Ἡρῴδης Τυρίοις καὶ Σιδωνίοις" (En de thymomachōn Hērōdēs Tyriois kai Sidōniois).
The context reveals that this intense displeasure was not a fleeting emotion but a significant political and economic threat. Tyre and Sidon, being coastal cities, were dependent on Herod's territory for their food supply. Herod's θυμομαχῶν (thymomachōn) had created a severe diplomatic crisis, compelling the Tyrians and Sidonians to seek peace through a delegation that included Blastus, the king's chamberlain. This single occurrence powerfully illustrates the destructive potential of a ruler's deep-seated anger, capable of disrupting international relations and threatening the livelihood of entire populations. Herod's anger was not merely a personal feeling but had tangible, far-reaching consequences.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding θυμομαχέω (thymomachéō, `{{G2371}}`) is enhanced by examining its constituent parts and related terms:
* **θυμός (thymos, `{{G2372}}`):** This noun, from which the first part of θυμομαχέω is derived, often describes a passionate outburst of anger, a sudden and intense fit of rage. It is distinct from ὀργή (orgē, `{{G3709}}`), which can denote a more settled, abiding indignation or wrath. In θυμομαχέω, the θυμός component suggests the vehement nature of the displeasure.
* **μάχομαι (machomai, `{{G3164}}`):** Meaning "to fight, contend, dispute," this verb contributes the sense of conflict or opposition inherent in θυμομαχέω. While the New Testament usage is figurative, the underlying idea of a "fight" or "struggle" of wills is present.
* **ὀργή (orgē, `{{G3709}}`):** As mentioned, orgē refers to a more settled, enduring wrath, often associated with divine judgment. While distinct from the immediate passion of thymos, both relate to anger.
* **ἔχθρα (echthra, `{{G2189}}`):** This noun signifies "enmity" or "hostility." Herod's θυμομαχέω effectively created a state of ἔχθρα between him and the people of Tyre and Sidon.
* **ἀγανάκτησις (aganaktēsis, `{{G24}}`: "indignation"):** While ἀγανάκτησις can describe righteous indignation, θυμομαχέω leans more towards a personal, potentially unjust, and deeply entrenched displeasure.
These related terms highlight θυμομαχέω as a potent, active form of displeasure, carrying the weight of potential conflict and hostile intent.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, θυμομαχέω (thymomachéō, `{{G2371}}`) carries significant theological weight within the narrative of Acts.
1. **Human Wrath vs. Divine Sovereignty:** Herod's θυμομαχέω serves as a stark example of unchecked human wrath, particularly in a position of power. Such anger, rooted in pride or self-interest, stands in stark contrast to the patient and just character of God. The subsequent divine judgment on Herod in [[Acts 12:23]], where he is struck down for accepting divine honor, implicitly condemns the very disposition of pride and hostile displeasure (θυμομαχέω) that marked his rule.
2. **Consequences of Displeasure:** The passage demonstrates the tangible and severe consequences of human anger. Herod's displeasure created a famine risk for entire cities, forcing them into desperate diplomatic action. This illustrates how personal animosity, especially among leaders, can lead to widespread suffering and geopolitical instability.
3. **Need for Reconciliation:** The efforts of Tyre and Sidon to make peace underscore the biblical imperative for reconciliation and the pursuit of harmony, even in the face of profound hostility. While Herod's heart was not changed, the narrative subtly points to the destructive nature of θυμομαχέω and the necessity of overcoming such divisions.
4. **A Cautionary Example:** For believers, Herod's θυμομαχέω serves as a cautionary tale against harboring deep-seated anger or resentment. The New Testament frequently warns against wrath (θυμός and ὀργή) as a work of the flesh ([[Galatians 5:20]]; [[Colossians 3:8]]) and encourages believers to put it away. Herod's example shows the destructive power of such emotions when allowed to fester and influence actions, particularly in leadership.
### Summary
θυμομαχέω (thymomachéō, `{{G2371}}`) is a Greek verb that literally means "to fight with passion," but in its New Testament usage, it figuratively describes a state of being "highly displeased" or intensely exasperated. This deep-seated anger or hostility is vividly portrayed in its sole biblical occurrence in [[Acts 12:20]], where it characterizes Herod Agrippa I's dangerous disposition towards the people of Tyre and Sidon. This single instance powerfully illustrates the destructive potential of unchecked human wrath, particularly when wielded by those in authority, leading to political crises and threatening livelihoods. Theologically, it stands as a stark contrast to divine patience and serves as a cautionary example against the perils of harboring profound displeasure, highlighting the need for reconciliation and the dangers of prideful anger.
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