### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G3961 (patéō) derives from a root suggesting "to tread" or "to walk upon," potentially connected to παίω (paiō), meaning "to strike" or "to beat," implying a forceful action. Its primary sense is literal: "to step on," "to walk." However, its semantic range extends significantly into the figurative, encompassing "to trample down," "to subdue," "to oppress," "to desecrate," or "to overcome." This dual application, both literal and metaphorical, is crucial for understanding its usage in the New Testament. The act of treading can be one of dominion, conquest, destruction, or even the processing of materials like grapes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G3961 appears several times in the New Testament, each instance laden with significant contextual meaning:
* **Luke 10:19**: "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you." Here, patéō is used figuratively to denote the spiritual authority granted to believers by Jesus. It signifies power over demonic forces and evil, echoing [[Genesis 3:15]] and foreshadowing Christ's ultimate victory over the serpent. The context is one of empowerment and spiritual warfare.
* **Luke 21:24**: "They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." In this eschatological passage, patéō describes the subjugation and desolation of Jerusalem by foreign powers. It signifies oppression, defilement, and the temporary dominion of non-believers over God's holy city, a period of judgment and suffering.
* **Revelation 11:2**: "But exclude the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months." Similar to Luke 21:24, this verse in Revelation uses patéō to describe the desecration and oppression of Jerusalem, here for a specific prophetic period. It signifies the temporary triumph of hostile forces over God's people and sacred spaces, a time of tribulation.
* **Revelation 14:20**: "And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood came out from the winepress, up to the horses' bridles, for a distance of two hundred miles." Here, patéō refers to the literal action of treading grapes in a winepress, but within the highly symbolic context of divine judgment. The imagery of the winepress is a powerful metaphor for God's wrath being poured out upon the wicked.
* **Revelation 19:15**: "From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the winepress of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty." This climactic passage depicts Christ in His role as divine warrior and judge. The act of "treading the winepress" is attributed directly to Him, symbolizing His decisive and overwhelming judgment against all who oppose God, crushing them utterly.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of G3961 intersects with several related concepts and terms:
* **Hebrew Equivalents:** In the Old Testament, the Hebrew verb `{{H7429}}` (ramas, to trample) often carries a similar connotation of violent subjugation or destruction (e.g., [[Isaiah 63:3]]). Another related term is `{{H1869}}` (darak, to tread or walk), which can also refer to treading a winepress or treading down enemies.
* **Greek Synonyms/Antonyms:** While no perfect synonyms exist given its unique range, `{{G2616}}` (καταπατέω - katapatéō, to trample down completely) is an intensified form. `{{G4043}}` (περιπατέω - peripatéō, to walk around, live, conduct oneself) is a more general term for walking without the connotation of forceful treading.
* **Concepts:** The word patéō is closely linked to themes of **dominion** (Luke 10:19), **subjugation** and **oppression** (Luke 21:24, Revelation 11:2), **desecration** (Revelation 11:2), **judgment**, and **divine wrath** (Revelation 14:20, 19:15). It often appears in contexts of conflict, victory, or defeat, highlighting power dynamics in both spiritual and physical realms.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G3961 is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Authority Over Evil:** In [[Luke 10:19]], patéō underscores the authority Jesus bestows upon His disciples to overcome demonic forces and the power of the enemy. This is a crucial aspect of Christ's victory over sin and death, in which believers are invited to participate. It signifies the reversal of the curse of [[Genesis 3:15]], where the seed of the woman crushes the serpent's head.
2. **Judgment and Desecration:** The use of patéō in relation to Jerusalem in [[Luke 21:24]] and [[Revelation 11:2]] highlights a period of divine judgment and the temporary triumph of Gentile powers over God's people and holy places. This speaks to the consequences of sin, the suffering of the righteous, and the sovereign plan of God that allows for such periods of desolation before ultimate restoration. It serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even sacred spaces to judgment when God's people are unfaithful.
3. **Divine Wrath and Justice:** The imagery of "treading the winepress" in [[Revelation 14:20]] and [[Revelation 19:15]] is one of the most powerful depictions of God's righteous wrath and final judgment. The act of treading signifies the complete and crushing destruction of the wicked. This is not a capricious act but the culmination of divine justice against persistent rebellion and evil. Christ, as the one who treads the winepress, is revealed as the ultimate executor of God's wrath, demonstrating His sovereignty and power to bring all things to their just conclusion.
### Summary
The Greek verb G3961 (patéō) signifies "to tread" or "to trample," encompassing both literal walking and forceful, often destructive, actions. Its biblical usage reveals a rich theological spectrum. In [[Luke 10:19]], it denotes the spiritual authority granted to believers to overcome evil, participating in Christ's victory. Conversely, in [[Luke 21:24]] and [[Revelation 11:2]], patéō describes the subjugation and desecration of Jerusalem, symbolizing periods of divine judgment and the temporary triumph of hostile forces. Most powerfully, in [[Revelation 14:20]] and [[Revelation 19:15]], the imagery of "treading the winepress" portrays the fierce and decisive execution of God's righteous wrath against His enemies, with Christ Himself as the divine judge. Thus, patéō serves as a potent term illustrating themes of spiritual authority, divine judgment, and the ultimate triumph of God's sovereign will.
TRV