The Greek word parorgízō, represented by G3949, is defined as to anger alongside, i.e. enrage. It is formed from the words παρά and ὀργίζω. According to the scriptural record, it appears 3 times across 2 unique verses.
The term G3949 is used in two distinct contexts. In a familial setting, fathers G3962 are explicitly commanded not to provoke their children G5043 to wrath Ephesians 6:4. In a national context, the word is used in a quotation of Moses where God states He will anger Israel by means of a "foolish G801 nation" Romans 10:19. This action is set in parallel with provoking them to jealousy.
Several related words help clarify the meaning and application of G3949:
- G3863 parazēlóō (to stimulate alongside, i.e. excite to rivalry): This term is used in direct parallel with G3949 in Romans 10:19, where God plans to provoke Israel to jealousy and anger them through another people.
- G3809 paideía (tutorage, i.e. education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction): In Ephesians 6:4, this is presented as the constructive alternative to provoking children to wrath. Fathers are to bring children up in the nurture of the Lord.
- G3962 patḗr (a "father"): This word identifies the specific group being addressed in the command not to provoke children to wrath, highlighting a key area of parental responsibility Ephesians 6:4.
The theological weight of G3949 is demonstrated in its specific applications.
- Parental Conduct: The command in Ephesians 6:4 establishes a clear standard for fatherhood. Provoking a child to wrath stands in direct opposition to the godly alternative of raising them in the nurture G3809 and admonition G3559 of the Lord G2962.
- Divine Action: Romans 10:19 reveals that God can use the provocation of anger as a tool. He declares His intention to anger Israel through another nation, linking it to a plan to incite jealousy and rivalry.
- A Counterpoint to Godly Training: By contrasting G3949 with positive terms like paideía (nurture) and nouthesía (admonition), scripture frames this type of provocation as detrimental to proper spiritual and relational development within the family.
In summary, G3949 is a specific term for enraging or provoking to wrath. It is used to deliver a direct prohibition to fathers regarding their children and is also employed to describe God's sovereign action toward the nation of Israel. The word highlights a powerful, negative response that is contrasted with the positive, constructive results of godly training and admonition.
TRV