### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma στρῆνος (strēnos, `{{G4764}}`) is defined as "a straining," "strenuousness," or "strength." Its etymological root is noted as being "akin to στερεός (stereos, `{{G4731}}`)," which signifies "firm," "solid," or "strong." This connection suggests an underlying concept of rigidity, robustness, or even an excessive, unyielding quality. Figuratively, στρῆνος develops into the meaning of "luxury" or "voluptuousness." The semantic progression from "strength" to "luxury" implies a state of such secure or abundant power that one can indulge in ease and opulence. It can also suggest a "straining after" such comforts, or a "strength derived from" them. The King James Version translates it as "delicacy," capturing the essence of lavish living and refined indulgence. Thus, the word's semantic range spans from physical or abstract strength to a moral or lifestyle descriptor of excessive comfort and self-gratification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term στρῆνος (strēnos, `{{G4764}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Revelation 18:3]]. In this pivotal passage, it describes a characteristic of "Babylon the Great," a symbolic entity representing the world system in rebellion against God, characterized by idolatry, economic exploitation, and moral corruption. The verse states: "For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies." Here, "delicacies" (strēnos) clearly denotes excessive luxury, opulence, and sensuality. It is not merely a neutral description of wealth but highlights the corrupting influence of material excess, which leads to spiritual "fornication" and contributes to Babylon's eventual divine judgment. The word underscores the seductive power of worldly indulgence and its role in drawing humanity away from faithfulness to God.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share a semantic field with στρῆνος (strēnos, `{{G4764}}`), particularly in its figurative sense of luxury and indulgence:
* στερεός (stereos, `{{G4731}}`): As noted in the definition, this word for "firm" or "solid" is etymologically related, providing a background for στρῆνος to signify a deeply entrenched or unyielding form of luxury.
* τρυφή (tryphē, `{{G5172}}`): Meaning "luxury," "sumptuous living," or "wantonness," often used in a negative sense (e.g., [[James 5:5]]).
* σπαταλάω (spatalaō, `{{G4684}}`): "To live luxuriously," "to live riotously," often with an implication of self-indulgent waste (e.g., [[1 Timothy 5:6]]).
* ἀσωτία (asōtia, `{{G810}}`): "Prodigality," "dissipation," "debauchery," emphasizing a wasteful and reckless lifestyle (e.g., [[Ephesians 5:18]]).
These related terms collectively paint a vivid picture of the kind of excessive, self-gratifying lifestyle that στρῆνος represents in its New Testament context. Concepts such as pride, avarice, and the idolatry of wealth are also implicitly linked, as luxury often stems from and reinforces these spiritual failings.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of στρῆνος (strēnos, `{{G4764}}`) in [[Revelation 18:3]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a defining characteristic of Babylon the Great, symbolizing the spiritual danger of worldly affluence and self-indulgence. The "delicacies" of Babylon are not merely economic prosperity but represent a deep-seated spiritual corruption. This excessive luxury is portrayed as a primary means by which the world system seduces nations and kings into spiritual "fornication"—a metaphor for unfaithfulness and idolatry against God. The word highlights that unrestrained material comfort and pleasure can become an idol, leading to moral decay and provoking divine judgment. It stands in stark contrast to the biblical calls for self-denial, humility, and sober living for believers. The judgment pronounced upon Babylon is directly linked to her "delicacies," emphasizing that such indulgence is not a neutral aspect of wealth but an active sin that incurs God's wrath and leads to spiritual ruin.
### Summary
The Greek word στρῆνος (strēnos, `{{G4764}}`), while rooted in the concept of "straining" or "strength," is employed in its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Revelation 18:3]] to denote "luxury" or "voluptuousness," translated as "delicacy." This singular usage is highly significant, characterizing Babylon the Great as a symbol of the world's seductive power and rebellion against God. The "abundance of her delicacies" signifies an excessive, self-indulgent opulence that leads nations and kings into spiritual fornication and moral corruption. Thus, στρῆνος encapsulates the profound spiritual danger inherent in unrestrained worldly comfort and pleasure, serving as a potent symbol of the moral decay and ultimate divine judgment awaiting those who prioritize material indulgence over faithfulness to God.
TRV