from θύω; passion (as if breathing hard):--fierceness, indignation, wrath. Compare ψυχή.
Transliteration:thymós
Pronunciation:thoo-mos'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term θυμός (thymós, `{{G2372}}`) is derived from the verb θύω (thýō), which can mean "to rush, to rage," or "to sacrifice." The etymological connection to "breathing hard" or "rushing" points to its core meaning as an intense, sudden surge of passion or emotion. Unlike a calm, settled state, θυμός signifies a volatile, often explosive, internal agitation.
Its semantic range in the New Testament primarily encompasses:
* **Wrath/Anger:** This is the most common translation, denoting a passionate, often violent outburst of anger. It's a "flash fire" of indignation that can erupt quickly and intensely.
* **Fierceness:** Implies a powerful, untamed, and sometimes destructive intensity of feeling.
* **Indignation:** A strong displeasure or righteous anger provoked by something perceived as unjust, offensive, or immoral.
While the root suggests a general "passion," in biblical usage, θυμός predominantly carries a negative connotation, referring to destructive or unrighteous anger when applied to humans. When applied to God, it describes the intense manifestation of His righteous judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Θυμός appears 18 times in the New Testament, revealing distinct applications to both divine and human emotion.
**Divine Wrath:**
In the book of Revelation, θυμός frequently describes the intensity of God's righteous wrath and judgment against sin and rebellion. It is often used alongside ὀργή (orgē, `{{G3709}}`) to emphasize the full, unmitigated force of divine retribution.
* In [[Revelation 14:10]], those who worship the beast are said to "drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger." Here, θυμός (wrath) and ὀργή (anger) are used together, highlighting the complete and undiluted nature of God's judgment.
* [[Revelation 15:1]] speaks of "the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is finished," indicating the culmination of divine judgment.
* [[Revelation 16:1]] commands the angels to "pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God," signifying the active execution of His judgment.
* [[Revelation 19:15]] describes Christ as treading "the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty," underscoring the severity and power of His final judgment.
**Human Anger/Wrath:**
When applied to human beings, θυμός almost universally denotes a sinful, destructive, and volatile anger that believers are called to abandon.
* In [[Luke 4:28]], the people in the synagogue are "filled with rage" (θυμός) at Jesus' words, demonstrating a violent, uncontrolled reaction.
* [[Acts 19:28]] describes the riot in Ephesus, where the crowd, upon hearing Paul, was "filled with rage" (θυμός) and began shouting.
* [[Romans 2:8]] contrasts those who seek glory with those who are "selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness," promising them "wrath and indignation" (ὀργή and θυμός).
* In ethical exhortations, θυμός is consistently listed among vices to be put away by believers:
* [[Ephesians 4:31]]: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice." Here, θυμός is translated "wrath," indicating a passionate outburst.
* [[Colossians 3:8]]: "But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language out of your mouth." Θυμός again appears as "wrath."
* [[Galatians 5:20]]: Θυμός ("outbursts of anger") is explicitly identified as a "work of the flesh," contrasting sharply with the fruit of the Spirit.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G3709}}` ὀργή (orgē):** This is the most important comparative term. While both θυμός and ὀργή are translated as "wrath" or "anger," they carry distinct nuances. Θυμός signifies a sudden, intense, and often short-lived outburst of passion, like a flash fire. Ὀργή, on the other hand, refers to a more settled, deep-seated, and abiding anger, often with a judicial or punitive connotation, like a smoldering fire that leads to a determined course of action. In God's character, ὀργή describes His deliberate, righteous judgment, while θυμός can describe the intensity of its manifestation. When used together (e.g., [[Revelation 14:10]]), they emphasize the fullness and severity of divine judgment.
* **`{{G5590}}` ψυχή (psychē):** The base definition of θυμός invites comparison with ψυχή (soul, life, inner self). This comparison highlights that θυμός is an intense emotional state originating from the core of one's being, a powerful outpouring from the ψυχή, often manifesting physically ("breathing hard").
* **`{{G4668}}` σκληρότης (sklērotēs):** Hardness of heart. Unchecked θυμός can contribute to or be a symptom of spiritual insensitivity and a hardened heart.
* **`{{G4642}}` σπλάγχνα (splagchna):** Compassion or tender mercies. This stands in stark contrast to θυμός, representing the opposite end of the emotional spectrum desired for believers.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of θυμός is twofold, addressing both the character of God and the nature of human sin.
* **Divine Righteousness and Judgment:** When applied to God, θυμός underscores the intensity and immediacy of His holy indignation against sin. It is not an irrational or capricious anger, but a just and fierce reaction to rebellion and unrighteousness, demonstrating His absolute purity and commitment to justice. The apocalyptic imagery of Revelation powerfully conveys that God's judgment is not passive but an active, consuming force against evil.
* **Human Sinfulness and the Need for Transformation:** For humanity, θυμός is consistently portrayed as a destructive manifestation of the fallen nature. It is a "work of the flesh" ([[Galatians 5:20]]) that leads to strife, division, and ungodly behavior. The repeated admonitions for believers to "put off" θυμός ([[Ephesians 4:31]], [[Colossians 3:8]]) highlight its incompatibility with a life lived in Christ. Uncontrolled anger, characterized by θυμός, is a clear indicator of a lack of spiritual maturity and a failure to walk in the Spirit. It underscores the ongoing need for believers to submit their passions to the Holy Spirit, cultivating virtues like patience, meekness, and love that reflect the character of Christ.
### Summary
Θυμός (`{{G2372}}`) describes an intense, often sudden, and passionate outburst of emotion, most commonly wrath or indignation, akin to a "flash fire." While distinct from the more settled, judicial ὀργή (`{{G3709}}`), it is frequently used alongside it in Revelation to emphasize the full severity of God's righteous judgment against sin. For humanity, θυμός is almost exclusively depicted as a negative, sinful emotion—a "work of the flesh" that believers are commanded to abandon. Its presence in human conduct signifies a lack of spiritual control and a fallen nature, underscoring the Christian call to transformation and the cultivation of Christ-like virtues in place of volatile anger.
TRV