### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G3947 (παροξύνω) is derived from the preposition παρά (para), meaning "alongside" or "by," and a derivative of the adjective ὀξύς (oxys), meaning "sharp" or "keen." Literally, it conveys the sense "to sharpen alongside" or "to whet." Figuratively, this root meaning extends to the idea of making something, particularly an emotion or a person's disposition, "sharp" or "intense." This leads to a primary semantic range encompassing:
* **To provoke, irritate, exasperate:** This is the most common negative connotation, implying an incitement to anger, annoyance, or a state of heightened agitation. The "sharpening" here refers to the intensifying of negative emotional responses.
* **To stir up, incite:** This can be neutral or even positive, meaning to stimulate or rouse to action or emotion. The context dictates whether this stirring is for good or ill.
The underlying concept is one of intensification or making acute, whether it be an unwelcome emotional state or a desirable spiritual zeal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G3947 (παροξύνω) appears three times in the New Testament, each offering a distinct contextual nuance:
* **[[Acts 17:16]]**: "Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols." Here, the passive voice "was provoked" (παρωξύνετο) describes Paul's inner state. It is not a sinful outburst of anger, but a deep, righteous indignation and spiritual agitation. His spirit was "sharpened" or made acutely sensitive and disturbed by the pervasive idolatry, compelling him to preach the gospel. This highlights a holy zeal that is deeply troubled by ungodliness.
* **[[1 Corinthians 13:5]]**: "Love does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily provoked, it keeps no record of wrongs." In this foundational passage on the nature of divine love (agape), the phrase "is not easily provoked" (οὐ παροξύνεται) is crucial. It asserts that true love does not become exasperated, irritated, or incited to anger. It resists agitation and quick temper, demonstrating patience and forbearance even in challenging circumstances. This use emphasizes love's steadfastness and refusal to be "sharpened" into a negative emotional response.
* **[[Hebrews 10:24]]**: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." This is the sole instance where G3947 (παροξύνω) is used in a positive, active sense. The author exhorts believers to "stir up" (παροξύνωμεν) or "sharpen" one another, not to anger, but to active expressions of love and good deeds. This implies a mutual encouragement and positive incitement, where believers sharpen each other's zeal and commitment to righteous living and service. It demonstrates the word's capacity to describe a beneficial, stimulating interaction.
These occurrences reveal the versatility of G3947, ranging from righteous indignation to the absence of sinful irritation in love, and finally to a positive call for mutual spiritual encouragement.
### Related Words & Concepts
G3947 (παροξύνω) relates to several other Greek words and theological concepts:
* **For negative provocation:** It shares conceptual space with `{{G2042}}` (erethizō, "to provoke, irritate"), `{{G4292}}` (proparoxynō, "to highly provoke"), `{{G2371}}` (thymos, "passionate anger, wrath"), and `{{G3709}}` (orgē, "settled anger, indignation"). Its distinctiveness often lies in the "sharpening" or intensifying aspect.
* **For positive stimulation:** It aligns with `{{G3870}}` (parakaleō, "to exhort, encourage, comfort") and `{{G4389}}` (protrepō, "to urge forward, encourage").
* **Antithetical concepts (to the negative sense):** Patience (`{{G3115}}` makrothymia, "long-suffering"), self-control (`{{G1466}}` egkrateia), forbearance, and peace (`{{G1515}}` eirēnē).
* **Theological Concepts:** Righteous indignation, the nature of divine love (agape), spiritual zeal, the sinfulness of human anger, and the importance of Christian community and mutual edification. In the Old Testament, the concept of "provoking God" (`{{H4784}}` marah, `{{H2734}}` charah) is a frequent theme, often leading to divine judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G3947 (παροξύνω) is multifaceted:
* **The Nature of Sinful Anger:** The use in [[1 Corinthians 13:5]] is a profound statement on the character of love. By stating that love "is not easily provoked," the Scripture highlights a common human failing: the propensity for quick temper, irritation, and exasperation. This underscores the need for spiritual growth and the cultivation of virtues like patience and self-control, which are hallmarks of a life transformed by God's love. It challenges believers to examine their reactions to adversity and annoyance, aspiring to the unprovokable nature of Christ's love.
* **Righteous Indignation:** Paul's experience in [[Acts 17:16]] demonstrates that not all "provocation" is sinful. There exists a righteous indignation, a holy "sharpening" of the spirit, in response to evil, idolatry, and injustice. This form of παροξύνω reflects a spiritual sensitivity and zeal for God's honor that aligns with divine character, distinguishing it from selfish or uncontrolled anger. It suggests that a truly spiritual person will be deeply disturbed by that which dishonors God.
* **Community and Mutual Edification:** The imperative in [[Hebrews 10:24]] presents a powerful call for active, positive Christian community. Believers are not merely to avoid provoking one another to anger, but actively to "stir up" or "sharpen" each other towards love and good works. This speaks to the communal responsibility to inspire, encourage, and challenge fellow believers to greater spiritual fervor and practical righteousness. It is a proactive call to foster an environment where zeal for God's kingdom is ignited and sustained through mutual interaction.
### Summary
G3947 (παροξύνω), meaning "to sharpen alongside," carries a rich semantic range in the New Testament. While its literal sense points to making something keen, its figurative uses are diverse. It describes Paul's righteous indignation in [[Acts 17:16]], where his spirit was "provoked" by idolatry, reflecting a holy disturbance. In [[1 Corinthians 13:5]], it defines a crucial aspect of divine love, which "is not easily provoked," highlighting love's patience and resistance to irritation. Most uniquely, [[Hebrews 10:24]] employs παροξύνω as a positive command, urging believers to "stir up" one another to love and good works, signifying a mutual incitement to spiritual zeal. Thus, παροξύνω encapsulates the human tendency towards sinful anger, the possibility of righteous zeal, and the vital call for believers to actively inspire one another towards Christ-like character and service.
TRV