### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ὀργίζω (orgízō)**, represented by `{{G3710}}`, is a verb derived from ὀργή used to **provoke or enrage**, or passively, to **become exasperated**. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used to describe the anger of humans, spiritual beings, and even nations, often leading to a significant reaction or judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3710}}` is frequently used in parables to illustrate the consequences of disobedience or insult. In the parable of the great supper, the master of the house becomes **angry** when his invitations are refused and extends the invitation to others [[Luke 14:21]]. Similarly, a king **was wroth** and sent his armies to destroy those who murdered his servants [[Matthew 22:7]], and a lord **was wroth** with an unforgiving servant, delivering him to the tormentors [[Matthew 18:34]]. The term also describes the emotional response of the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son, who "was **angry**, and would not go in" [[Luke 15:28]]. Beyond parables, it is used to warn against unrighteous anger towards a brother [[Matthew 5:22]] and in apocalyptic visions where the nations "were **angry**" [[Revelation 11:18]] and the dragon "was **wroth**" with the woman [[Revelation 12:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of anger and its consequences:
* `{{G3709}}` **orgḗ** (anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath): As the root word for `{{G3710}}`, this noun often refers to the state of wrath itself. In [[Revelation 11:18]], the action of becoming angry `{{G3710}}` is immediately followed by the arrival of divine **wrath** `{{G3709}}`.
* `{{G264}}` **hamartánō** (to err, especially (morally) to sin): This word is directly contrasted with a permissible form of anger in the instruction, "Be ye **angry** `{{G3710}}`, and **sin** `{{G264}}` not" [[Ephesians 4:26]].
* `{{G3950}}` **parorgismós** (rage:--wrath): This specific form of wrath or rage is what believers are warned not to let fester. It appears in the same verse that permits a type of anger: "let not the sun go down upon your **wrath**" [[Ephesians 4:26]].
* `{{G930}}` **basanistḗs** (a torturer:--tormentor): This word highlights the severe consequences that can follow anger. In [[Matthew 18:34]], the lord's wrath `{{G3710}}` directly leads him to deliver the wicked servant to the **tormentors** `{{G930}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3710}}` is significant, particularly in its moral and judicial implications.
* **Warning Against Interpersonal Anger:** Jesus explicitly warns that being **angry** with a brother without a cause puts one in "danger of the judgment," establishing a high moral standard for believers' conduct [[Matthew 5:22]].
* **Anger and Consequence:** In multiple parables, a figure of authority becoming **wroth** is an immediate precursor to judgment and punishment, illustrating divine seriousness in response to sin and rebellion ([[Matthew 18:34]], [[Matthew 22:7]]).
* **Distinction between Anger and Sin:** Scripture makes a crucial distinction that allows for anger while forbidding sin. The instruction in [[Ephesians 4:26]], "Be ye **angry**, and sin not," suggests that the emotion itself is not always wrong, but it must be controlled and resolved quickly.
* **Eschatological Anger:** The term is used in Revelation to describe the futile rage of the nations and of the dragon against God's purposes, which stands in contrast to the coming of God's own wrath ([[Revelation 11:18]], [[Revelation 12:17]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3710}}` is a potent word that describes an emotional state with serious consequences. It is used to illustrate the righteous anger of authority figures against wrongdoing, warn believers against the dangers of unrighteous personal anger, and portray the ultimate, fruitless rage of evil against God. The biblical usage of **ὀργίζω (orgízō)** provides a nuanced perspective, acknowledging anger as a powerful human emotion that must be carefully managed to avoid sin and judgment.
TRV