from θυμός; to put in a passion, i.e. enrage:--be wroth.
Transliteration:thymóō
Pronunciation:tho-mo'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G2373 (θυμόω, *thymóō*) is derived from the noun G2372 (θυμός, *thymós*), which signifies an intense, often sudden, and boiling passion, typically expressing fierce anger, indignation, or wrath. As a verb, G2373 means "to be enraged," "to be wroth," or "to be filled with intense anger." It describes the state of being overcome by such a vehement emotion. The semantic range points to a passionate, often volatile outburst, distinct from a settled or deliberate disposition. It conveys a sense of immediate, burning indignation that can lead to swift, forceful action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G2373 (θυμόω) appears only once in the Greek New Testament, making its singular occurrence particularly significant:
* **[[Revelation 12:17]]**: "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
In this apocalyptic context, the "dragon" is explicitly identified as Satan ([[Revelation 12:9]]). His wrath (ἐθυμώθη, *ethymōthē*, the aorist passive indicative of G2373) against "the woman" (representing God's people, particularly Israel and the Church) is presented as a furious, passionate rage following his defeat and expulsion from heaven ([[Revelation 12:7-9]]). This verb choice emphasizes the *intensity* and *vehemence* of Satan's anger, portraying it as a boiling, desperate fury that immediately propels him to aggressive action ("went to make war"). It is a wrath born of frustration and malice, not of righteous indignation. The singular use here underscores the specific nature of this rage as a reaction to divine victory and a prelude to intense persecution.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **G2372 (θυμός, *thymós*)**: This is the foundational noun from which G2373 is derived. It refers to the passion itself – a "boiling over" of emotion, often anger or indignation. It is frequently associated with outbursts of wrath.
* **G3709 (ὀργή, *orgē*)**: While both G2372 (and thus G2373) and G3709 are translated as "wrath" or "anger," there is a nuanced distinction. G2372 (θυμός) often denotes a sudden, passionate, and less enduring outburst, like a flash fire. G3709 (ὀργή), on the other hand, typically suggests a more settled, abiding, and often deeply rooted anger, a smoldering indignation that can be slow to ignite but persistent once aroused. God's wrath is often described using G3709, signifying a holy, just, and deliberate opposition to sin, though G2372 is also used for divine wrath when emphasizing its intensity or suddenness. In the case of G2373 in [[Revelation 12:17]], the choice of G2373 highlights the violent, immediate, and passionate nature of Satan's rage.
* **G3949 (παροργίζω, *parorgizō*)**: To provoke to anger, to exasperate. This verb focuses on the act of causing someone to become angry.
* **G3950 (παροργισμός, *parorgismos*)**: The act of provoking to anger, or the state of being provoked. This noun is used in [[Ephesians 4:26]] ("Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath [παροργισμός]").
* **G2374 (θυμομαχέω, *thymomachéō*)**: To contend with great anger, to be at furious odds. This compound word further illustrates the connection between G2372 and conflict.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of G2373 (θυμόω) in [[Revelation 12:17]] carries profound theological weight. It vividly portrays the character and desperation of Satan. His being "wroth" (ἐθυμώθη) is not a sign of strength but of his ultimate defeat and the frustration of his malicious plans. Having been cast out of heaven by God's power, his only recourse is a furious, yet ultimately futile, assault on God's people on earth.
This intense, passionate anger of the dragon signifies:
1. **Satanic Malice**: It reveals the inherent malevolence and destructive intent of the adversary against all that is good and of God. His wrath is irrational, born of hatred and envy.
2. **Spiritual Conflict**: The verb underscores the reality of spiritual warfare. Satan's rage directly translates into active persecution and opposition against those who "keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
3. **God's Sovereignty and Protection**: Despite the dragon's furious wrath, the narrative of Revelation consistently shows God's ultimate control and protection over His people. Satan's rage, though terrifying, is ultimately limited and serves God's greater purposes, even in allowing tribulation.
4. **The Nature of Evil Wrath**: In contrast to God's righteous and just wrath (G3709), which is a holy response to sin, Satan's G2373 wrath is a chaotic, destructive, and unholy passion, indicative of his fallen nature and rebellion.
### Summary
The Greek verb G2373 (θυμόω, *thymóō*) signifies "to be enraged" or "to be filled with intense, boiling anger." Derived from G2372 (θυμός), it denotes a sudden, passionate outburst of wrath. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Revelation 12:17]] is highly significant, depicting the dragon's (Satan's) furious rage against God's people after his defeat. This intense, malevolent wrath drives him to persecute believers, highlighting the reality of spiritual conflict. Theologically, it underscores Satan's desperation and malice, contrasting sharply with God's righteous wrath, and ultimately points to God's sovereign protection over His Church amidst the adversary's furious, yet ultimately futile, opposition.
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