### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb στρηνιάω (strēniáō) is derived from a presumed root στρῆνος (strēnos), which denotes wantonness, insolence, or excessive luxury. Thus, the verb itself signifies "to live luxuriously," "to live wantonly," or "to be wantonly extravagant." It carries a strong negative connotation, implying an arrogant and unrestrained indulgence in material pleasures and an absence of self-control. The term suggests a lifestyle characterized by opulence and ease, often accompanied by an attitude of haughty self-sufficiency and a disregard for moral or spiritual bounds. It is distinct from mere comfort or prosperity, emphasizing the excessive and often morally dubious nature of the indulgence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb στρηνιάω (strēniáō) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Revelation:
* [[Revelation 18:7]]: "In proportion to the glory and luxury in which she lived, give her the same proportion of torment and grief. For she says in her heart, ‘I sit as a queen, I am no widow, and I will never see grief.’"
In this singular occurrence, στρηνιάω (strēniáō) describes the lifestyle of "Babylon the Great," a symbolic representation of a corrupt worldly system or city that opposes God. The phrase "lived deliciously" or "lived luxuriously" (as translated in various versions) highlights Babylon's excessive wealth, self-indulgence, and arrogant confidence in her own power and security. This luxurious living is presented not as a blessing, but as a characteristic of her spiritual prostitution and a direct cause for her impending judgment. Her boastful self-assessment ("I sit as a queen, I am no widow, and I will never see grief") underscores the pride and self-deception inherent in her wanton lifestyle, making her ripe for divine retribution. The context is one of eschatological judgment, where God brings an end to the worldly system that has reveled in its own power and material abundance while persecuting the saints.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of στρηνιάω (strēniáō) is illuminated by its relationship to several other Greek terms and concepts:
* **στρῆνος (strēnos):** Although not a distinct Strong's number, the noun *strēnos* (wantonness, insolence, luxury) is the presumed root, emphasizing the inherent insolence and arrogance associated with this kind of luxurious living.
* **`{{G4149}}` πλοῦτος (ploutos):** "Wealth" or "riches." While *ploutos* can be used neutrally or positively, *strēniáō* describes the negative, often morally corrupt, *use* or *experience* of such wealth.
* **`{{G5243}}` ὑπερηφανία (hyperēphania) / `{{G5244}}` ὑπερήφανος (hyperēphanos):** "Arrogance," "haughtiness," or "proud." The luxurious living described by *strēniáō* is often a manifestation of such pride and self-exaltation, as seen in Babylon's boast.
* **`{{G4684}}` σπαταλάω (spatalaō):** "To live sumptuously," "to live in luxury," or "to live extravagantly." This verb, also with a negative connotation, is found in [[1 Timothy 5:6]] (describing a widow who "lives in pleasure" and is "dead while she lives") and [[James 5:5]] (describing the rich who have "lived in luxury and self-indulgence"). It shares the theme of excessive, often morally problematic, indulgence.
* **`{{G2937}}` κτῆμα (ktēma):** "Possession," "property," or "riches." The luxurious living is enabled by the accumulation of such possessions.
* **`{{G4202}}` πορνεία (porneia):** "Sexual immorality," "fornication," or "idolatry." In Revelation, Babylon's luxury is intrinsically linked to her spiritual harlotry, suggesting that her material excesses are a form of spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry, where wealth becomes the object of devotion.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of στρηνιάω (strēniáō) in [[Revelation 18:7]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark indictment of a lifestyle characterized by excessive worldly luxury and self-indulgence, particularly when it fosters pride, self-sufficiency, and a disregard for God's justice and the suffering of others.
1. **Idolatry of Wealth:** The "delicious living" of Babylon represents a devotion to material wealth and earthly pleasures that displaces loyalty to God. It highlights how unchecked affluence can lead to spiritual blindness and a false sense of security, fostering an idolatrous reliance on created things rather than the Creator.
2. **Divine Judgment:** The word is used in the context of divine judgment. Babylon's luxury is not merely described but explicitly linked to the measure of her impending torment. This underscores the biblical principle that those who live in wanton luxury, particularly at the expense of justice or in defiance of God, will face severe consequences. It serves as a warning against the dangers of worldly entanglements and the corrupting influence of unbridled materialism.
3. **Contrast with Godly Living:** This concept stands in stark contrast to the values promoted elsewhere in Scripture, such as humility, self-control, contentment, and a focus on eternal rather than temporal treasures. The "delicious living" of Babylon is the antithesis of the suffering, perseverance, and faith exemplified by the saints who await God's vindication.
4. **Eschatological Warning:** For believers, στρηνιάω (strēniáō) serves as an eschatological warning. It cautions against adopting the values and lifestyle of a world system destined for destruction. It calls for discernment regarding the allure of worldly comforts and encourages a posture of sober watchfulness and faithful endurance.
### Summary
The Greek verb στρηνιάω (strēniáō) describes a lifestyle of excessive, often arrogant, luxury and wanton indulgence. Its sole occurrence in [[Revelation 18:7]] is highly significant, characterizing "Babylon the Great" as a system consumed by self-serving opulence and pride. This "delicious living" is presented as a primary reason for her downfall, underscoring the theological principle that unchecked worldly wealth and self-indulgence lead to spiritual idolatry and incur divine judgment. The word serves as a potent warning against the corrupting influence of materialism and calls believers to reject the values of a world system destined for destruction, choosing instead humility, self-control, and faithfulness to God.
TRV