The Greek word strēnos, represented by G4764, describes a form of luxury and voluptuousness. Derived from a word akin to "strength" or "strenuousness," it figuratively denotes a straining after luxury, translated as delicacy. This term is highly specific, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible.
The single use of G4764 is found in Revelation 18:3, within the prophecy of the fall of Babylon. The verse states that the merchants G1713 of the earth G1093 have grown rich from the "abundance" of her delicacies. This links the world's commercial systems directly to the corrupting influence of Babylon, whose spiritual fornication G4202 has intoxicated all nations G1484.
Several related words in the passage illuminate the context of this luxury:
- G1713 émporos (merchant): Defined as a "(wholesale) tradesman," this word identifies those who profit from Babylon's excess. These merchants are later described as "the great men of the earth" Revelation 18:23.
- G4147 ploutéō (be made, wax rich): Meaning to "be (or become) wealthy," this verb shows the direct outcome of trafficking in Babylon's delicacies. It is used to describe a false sense of spiritual security, as when one says, "I am rich, and increased with goods" Revelation 3:17.
- G4202 porneía (fornication): This term signifies "harlotry," which figuratively includes "idolatry." The pursuit of Babylon's delicacies is inseparable from this spiritual corruption, which believers are commanded to mortify Colossians 3:5.
- G1411 dýnamis (power, strength): While translated as "abundance" in this context, its core meaning is "force" or "miraculous power." This shows that Babylon's luxury is not merely wealth, but a corrupting force that underpins its global influence Revelation 18:3.
The theological weight of G4764 is concentrated in its sole appearance:
- Symbol of Corrupting Wealth: Strēnos is not neutral luxury but a voluptuousness that leads to moral decay. It is the economic engine for a system built on fornication G4202, enriching the merchants of the earth at the cost of spiritual purity Revelation 18:3.
- The Power of Worldly Indulgence: The "abundance," or dýnamis G1411, of her delicacies represents a worldly power. This force entices and enriches, standing in stark contrast to the divine power that comes from God, which is associated with love and a sound mind 2 Timothy 1:7.
- An Indictment of Global Systems: The reach of these delicacies is global, implicating "all nations" G1484 as well as the kings G935 and merchants G1713 of the earth G1093. This highlights how the pursuit of excessive luxury can become a worldwide system of idolatry that invites divine judgment Revelation 18:3.
In summary, while G4764 appears only once, its meaning is significant. Strēnos encapsulates the concept of decadent, corrupting luxury. Its sole biblical context in Revelation 18:3 paints a vivid picture of worldly systems built on voluptuousness and idolatry, demonstrating how the pursuit of such delicacies is intrinsically linked to the spiritual fall of nations and the judgment of God.
TRV