The Greek word paroxýnō, represented by G3947, is defined as being sharpened alongside, or figuratively, to be exasperated. It appears 3 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The term is used in translations as "easily provoke" or to "stir," indicating a strong internal reaction.
In its biblical usage, G3947 illustrates two distinct types of inner agitation. It is used to describe a quality that divine love does not possess, stating that love is not easily provoked 1 Corinthians 13:5. In contrast, it is also used to describe the righteous response of the Apostle Paul in Athens, where his spirit was stirred within him upon seeing the city's idolatry Acts 17:16. These contexts show the word can signify both a negative, carnal reaction and a deep, spiritual response to external circumstances.
Several related words help clarify the meaning of G3947 within its scriptural context:
- G807 aschēmonéō (to be i.e. act unbecoming): This word appears alongside G3947 in the description of love, noting that love does not behave itself unseemly 1 Corinthians 13:5, tying provocation to uncomely behavior.
- G4151 pneûma (a spirit... the rational soul... mental disposition): This is the part of Paul that was stirred G3947 in Athens Acts 17:16, indicating that the reaction was not merely emotional but rooted in his spirit. The fruit of the Spirit includes qualities that stand in contrast to being easily provoked Galatians 5:22.
- G2556 kakós (worthless... depraved, or... injurious): In the same list of love's characteristics, the text states that love "thinketh no evil" 1 Corinthians 13:5, suggesting that being provoked is linked to reckoning or imputing injurious thoughts toward others.
The theological weight of G3947 lies in its ability to distinguish between righteous and unrighteous inner turmoil.
- The Nature of Divine Love: The word is used negatively to define a core aspect of Christian love. To not be easily provoked is to exhibit a character that does not keep a record of wrongs or react with exasperation, which is contrary to love's nature 1 Corinthians 13:5.
- Righteous Spiritual Response: Paul's experience in Athens demonstrates a righteous "provoking" or "stirring." His spirit G4151 was stirred by idolatry, not out of personal insult, but out of a deep-seated reaction to what dishonors God Acts 17:16.
- Avoiding Sinful Anger: The admonition in 1 Corinthians 13:5 serves as a caution against a specific type of sin. Being "easily provoked" is presented as a failure alongside other unloving actions like behaving unseemly G807 and seeking one's own G2212.
In summary, G3947 is a nuanced term that describes a sharp internal reaction. It is not inherently negative, as it can describe a spirit stirred for a righteous cause. However, its most prominent use in Scripture serves as a powerful warning that being "easily provoked" is a direct contradiction to the character of divine love, which does not behave unseemly or think evil of others. The word challenges believers to discern the source and nature of their inner stirrings.
TRV