### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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