from πρός and a form of (to be vexed with something irksome); to feel indignant at:--be grieved at.
Transliteration:prosochthízō
Pronunciation:pros-okh-thid'-zo
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προσοχθίζω (prosochthízō, `{{G4360}}`) is a compound word derived from πρόσ (pros), meaning "to, toward," and a root related to "ὀχθέω" (ochtheō), which signifies a state of being burdened, vexed, or annoyed. The base definition provided is "to be vexed with something irksome; to feel indignant at," and by extension, "to be grieved at."
The core meaning conveys a strong, deep-seated displeasure or indignation that arises from a prolonged and burdensome irritation. It is not merely fleeting anger, but a profound sense of weariness, revulsion, or exasperation caused by persistent and offensive behavior. The nuance suggests a reaction to something that has become an enduring source of annoyance or offense, leading to a state of being profoundly grieved or offended. It implies a righteous and weary indignation rather than a fit of uncontrolled rage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb προσοχθίζω (prosochthízō, `{{G4360}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Hebrews 3:10]]. This occurrence is a direct quotation from the Septuagint (LXX) translation of [[Psalm 95:10]] (often [[Psalm 94:10]] in Hebrew Bible numbering).
In [[Hebrews 3:10]], the text reads: "Therefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, and they have not known My ways.’" The speaker is God Himself, expressing His profound reaction to the persistent rebellion and unbelief of the Israelites during their forty years in the wilderness.
The context in Hebrews is an urgent exhortation to the readers not to repeat the mistakes of their ancestors. The divine "grief" or "indignation" described by προσοχθίζω is a direct consequence of the people's hardened hearts, their continuous wandering from God's path, and their failure to truly understand and obey His ways. This deep divine displeasure ultimately led to their exclusion from the promised land, which serves as a type for God's eternal rest. The use of this strong term emphasizes the gravity of their unbelief and disobedience, signifying a point of divine rejection due to their persistent unfaithfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Equivalent:** The Hebrew word from which προσοχθίζω (prosochthízō) is translated in [[Psalm 95:10]] (LXX) is קוּט (qūṭ, `{{H6962}}`), which means "to loathe, abhor, detest." This Hebrew root strongly reinforces the idea of intense aversion and profound displeasure, aligning well with the sense of being vexed or indignant.
* **Greek Synonyms/Antonyms:**
* While related to general terms for anger like ὀργίζομαι (orgizomai, `{{G3710}}`) or θυμόω (thymoō, `{{G2373}}`), προσοχθίζω carries a more specific nuance of weariness and deep-seated indignation arising from a persistent burden.
* Words for sorrow or grief, such as λυπέω (lypeō, `{{G3076}}`) or πενθέω (pentheō, `{{G3996}}`), share the emotional distress, but προσοχθίζω uniquely highlights the exasperation and offense caused by the *source* of the grief being an irksome and persistent behavior.
* **Thematic Connections:** This word is intrinsically linked to theological concepts such as divine patience, human stubbornness, the hardening of hearts, the nature of divine judgment, and the consequences of unbelief and disobedience. It stands in contrast to concepts of divine favor, grace, and rest.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of προσοχθίζω (prosochthízō, `{{G4360}}`) to describe God's emotion is profoundly significant. It portrays a God who is not aloof or indifferent, but deeply engaged with His creation, to the point of experiencing profound grief and indignation when His covenant people persistently rebel against His will. This divine "grief" is not a human weakness, but a righteous and just response to prolonged unfaithfulness.
It underscores the seriousness of unbelief and disobedience in the eyes of God. The Israelites' "going astray in their heart" and their failure to "know My ways" were not minor transgressions but deeply offensive acts that vexed the Almighty. This divine reaction serves as a solemn warning to all believers: just as God was "grieved" with the wilderness generation, so too can contemporary believers provoke His righteous indignation if they harden their hearts, fail to persevere in faith, and neglect His ways. It highlights that persistent sin and unbelief can lead to the withdrawal of divine favor and the forfeiture of promised blessings, including the ultimate "rest" in Christ.
### Summary
προσοχθίζω (prosochthízō, `{{G4360}}`) is a Greek verb signifying a profound sense of indignation, vexation, or deep grief arising from something persistently burdensome or irksome. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Hebrews 3:10]] (quoting [[Psalm 95:10]] LXX) describes God's weary and righteous displeasure with the rebellious and unbelieving generation of Israelites in the wilderness. This divine emotion, akin to the Hebrew `{{H6962}}` (qūṭ) meaning "to loathe," underscores the extreme gravity of human unfaithfulness and the severe consequences of a hardened heart. The term serves as a potent theological warning, emphasizing that persistent disobedience and unbelief can provoke God's profound indignation and lead to the forfeiture of His promised rest.
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