### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **thymós**, represented by `{{G2372}}`, describes a state of passion, often translated as **fierceness**, **indignation**, or **wrath**. Derived from a word meaning "to breathe hard," it conveys a sense of intense, heated emotion. It appears **18 times** across **18 unique verses** in the Bible, illustrating its specific but significant role.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2372}}` is used to describe both human and divine passion. On the human side, it is frequently listed among sins that believers are instructed to abandon, alongside bitterness, clamour, and malice ([[Ephesians 4:31]]; [[Colossians 3:8]]). It is categorized as a work of the flesh in [[Galatians 5:20]]. The term also captures the outburst of a crowd, such as when a synagogue was "filled with **wrath**" [[Luke 4:28]] or when the Ephesians cried out in anger [[Acts 19:28]]. Conversely, it is used extensively in the book of Revelation to describe the holy **wrath** of God poured out in judgment, often using the imagery of the "wine of the **wrath** of God" [[Revelation 14:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the concept of intense emotion and its consequences:
* `{{G3709}}` **orgḗ** (wrath): Defined as violent passion, ire, or justifiable abhorrence, this word is often used alongside `{{G2372}}` to describe both human anger and divine indignation ([[Romans 2:8]]; [[Revelation 19:15]]).
* `{{G2205}}` **zēlos** (zeal, envy): This term signifies heat, which can be a positive ardor or a negative jealousy and malice. It appears with **wrath** in lists of sinful behaviors ([[Galatians 5:20]]; [[2 Corinthians 12:20]]).
* `{{G2549}}` **kakía** (malice): Representing badness, depravity, or malignity, this word is often the culmination of the negative passions listed with **wrath**, and believers are commanded to put it away ([[Ephesians 4:31]]; [[Colossians 3:8]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2372}}` is significant, highlighting a clear distinction between sinful human passion and righteous divine judgment.
* **A Work of the Flesh:** `{{G2372}}` is consistently presented as an expression of sinful human nature. It is part of a list of behaviors, including strife and seditions, that are contrary to the Spirit [[Galatians 5:20]] and must be put off by believers [[Colossians 3:8]].
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** The term is a key descriptor for the execution of God's final judgment in Revelation. The **wrath** of God is depicted as something poured out from "vials" [[Revelation 16:1]] and executed in the "great winepress of the **wrath** of God" [[Revelation 14:19]].
* **The Devil's Rage:** The term is also used to characterize the enemy of God. The devil descends with "great **wrath**" because he knows his time is short, setting his rage in direct opposition to God's authority [[Revelation 12:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2372}}` is a potent word that captures the idea of a passionate outburst. While it can describe the sinful **wrath** that arises from human hearts, its most profound use is in describing the righteous and fierce judgment of God against sin. It serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of uncontrolled human anger and the awesome, holy **fierceness** of divine retribution.
TRV