from ὁρμή; an attack, i.e. (abstractly) precipitancy:--violence.
Transliteration:hórmēma
Pronunciation:hor'-may-mah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term hórmēma (`{{G3731}}`) derives from hormē (`{{G3729}}`), which signifies a violent motion, an impetuous onset, or a strong impulse. Consequently, hórmēma encapsulates the *result* or *manifestation* of such an impulse. Its core meaning points to an "attack" or "precipitancy," conveying the idea of a sudden, forceful, and often uncontrolled movement or action. The English translation "violence" captures the destructive potential inherent in this rapid, unbridled impetus. It is not merely a general state of violence, but one characterized by a swift, decisive, and overwhelming surge.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term hórmēma (`{{G3731}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Revelation:
* **[[Revelation 18:21]]**: "And a strong angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence (hórmēma) shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all."
In this singular occurrence, hórmēma vividly describes the manner of Babylon's catastrophic downfall. The imagery of a millstone, a heavy object used for grinding, being cast into the sea, underscores a sudden, irreversible, and complete destruction. The "violence" here is not chaotic or random, but a deliberate, divinely orchestrated act of judgment. The use of hórmēma emphasizes the *speed* and *decisiveness* of Babylon's demise, suggesting a rapid, overwhelming force that ensures the city's utter disappearance. It signifies a precipitous plunge into oblivion, leaving no trace.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding hórmēma is enhanced by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **hormē (`{{G3729}}`)**: This is the root noun from which hórmēma is derived. Hormē itself refers to the "impulse" or "rush." In [[Acts 14:5]], it describes the "attempt" or "rush" of the Gentiles and Jews to mistreat Paul and Barnabas. In [[James 3:4]], it refers to the "impulse" or "desire" of the pilot guiding a ship. While hormē is the internal drive or impetus, hórmēma is the externalized, often destructive, manifestation of that drive.
* **bia (`{{G979}}`)**: This is a more general term for "force" or "violence," often implying physical coercion or strength. While hórmēma describes a specific *kind* of violent action (sudden, impulsive, decisive), bia can refer to violence in a broader sense, such as the "force" used by those who would seize the kingdom of heaven ([[Matthew 11:12]]).
* **dynamis (`{{G1411}}`)**: While primarily meaning "power" or "ability," dynamis can also denote forceful action or might. However, it lacks the specific nuance of sudden, precipitous movement inherent in hórmēma.
* The distinctiveness of hórmēma lies in its emphasis on the *suddenness*, *irrevocability*, and *overwhelming nature* of the action, particularly when it results in destruction. It speaks to an immediate and decisive execution of power.
### Theological Significance
The sole biblical occurrence of hórmēma in [[Revelation 18:21]] carries profound theological weight, primarily in the context of divine judgment:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**: The use of hórmēma highlights God's absolute control over history and His unwavering commitment to justice. The "violence" is not chaotic but a controlled, purposeful act of divine judgment against the oppressive system of Babylon. It assures believers of the certainty and completeness of God's vengeance against evil.
* **Irreversibility of Judgment**: The imagery of the millstone plunged into the sea, coupled with hórmēma, underscores the irreversible nature of this judgment. Once executed, there is no recovery, no return, and no lingering trace of the condemned entity. This speaks to the finality of God's wrath against those who oppose Him.
* **Suddenness and Decisiveness**: The term emphasizes that God's judgment, though long-awaited, will be executed with a sudden, overwhelming force that leaves no room for escape or resistance. This serves as a warning to those who persist in wickedness and an assurance to those who suffer under oppression.
* **Contrast with Human Impulsiveness**: While human "hormē" can lead to destructive, uncontrolled impulses (e.g., [[Acts 14:5]]), the divine hórmēma in Revelation, though violent in its outcome, is righteous in its origin and purpose, demonstrating God's holy indignation against sin.
### Summary
The Greek word hórmēma (`{{G3731}}`) signifies a sudden, violent, and precipitous action, stemming from an overwhelming impulse. Its singular appearance in [[Revelation 18:21]] is exceptionally potent, describing the utter and irreversible destruction of "Babylon the Great." The imagery of a millstone cast into the sea, coupled with hórmēma, vividly portrays a divine judgment that is swift, decisive, and so overwhelming that no trace of the condemned remains. This term underscores the certainty, finality, and overwhelming power of God's righteous judgment against evil, executed with an immediate and complete force that leaves no possibility of recovery or remembrance.
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