perhaps from ὀπτάνομαι (through the idea of the shading or proximity to the organ of vision); the eye-"brow" or forehead, i.e. (figuratively) the brink of a precipice:--brow.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ophrŷs**, represented by `{{G3790}}`, figuratively describes the **brink of a precipice**. Based on the idea of an eyebrow's proximity to the eye, it translates to "brow." It appears **1 times** across **1 unique verses** in the Bible, used to denote the edge of a steep hill.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical use of `{{G3790}}` occurs in a moment of intense conflict. After Jesus speaks in the synagogue, the people are filled with wrath. They thrust him out of the city and lead him to the **brow** of the hill, intending to throw him off [[Luke 4:29]]. The word marks the specific location for this planned execution, highlighting the extreme hostility of the crowd.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from the context of [[Luke 4:29]] illuminate the scene's severity:
* `{{G3735}}` **óros** (a mountain): This identifies the geographical feature, the hill or mount, upon which the city was built and which had a precipice or **brow**.
* `{{G2630}}` **katakrēmnízō** (to precipitate down): This verb specifies the violent action the crowd intended to perform at the **brow** of the hill, explicitly stating their desire to "cast him down headlong" [[Luke 4:29]].
* `{{G1544}}` **ekbállō** (to eject): This word describes the initial act of force where the people "thrust" or "expel" Jesus from the city, setting the stage for leading him to the precipice [[Luke 4:29]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G3790}}` is tied directly to its dramatic and physical context.
* **A Point of Lethal Rejection:** The **brow** of the hill is not merely a location but the chosen site for a murder, representing the crowd's ultimate rejection of Jesus and His message [[Luke 4:29]].
* **Figurative Precipice:** The term vividly portrays a literal "cliffhanger" moment, a physical precipice that mirrors the spiritual crisis and mortal danger Jesus faced.
* **Focus of Violent Intent:** Being led to the **brow** is the climax of the crowd's rage. The specific purpose of bringing Him to this edge was to "cast him down headlong" [[Luke 4:29]], making the location inseparable from the violent intent.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3790}}` is a term whose significance comes from its singular, powerful use. While it simply means the **brow** or edge of a hill, its context in [[Luke 4:29]] transforms it into a symbol of deadly opposition. It vividly marks the physical point where rejection turned into a direct attempt on Jesus's life, illustrating the peril he faced early in his ministry.
TRV