### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **tríbolos**, represented by `{{G5146}}`, refers to a thorny plant like a **brier** or **thistle**. Its definition describes a three-pronged obstruction, highlighting its nature as something that hinders and is unproductive. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, but in both instances, it serves as a powerful symbol of worthlessness and spiritual barrenness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G5146}}` illustrates the principle of identifying a source by what it produces. In Matthew's Gospel, it is used in a rhetorical question to distinguish between good and bad sources: "Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of **thistles**?" [[Matthew 7:16]]. Here, the thistle is presented as something from which good fruit cannot be expected. The book of Hebrews uses the word to describe land that is rejected by God because it bears "thorns and **briers**" and is therefore "nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned" [[Hebrews 6:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the symbolic role of `{{G5146}}` by providing a contrast between what is worthless and what is valuable:
* `{{G173}}` **ákantha** (a thorn:--thorn): This word is frequently paired with **tríbolos**. It represents that which chokes out the good seed of the word, causing it to become unfruitful [[Matthew 13:22]].
* `{{G2590}}` **karpós** (fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively:--fruit): This is the ultimate measure of a plant's value. The inability of **tríbolos** to produce good **fruit** is central to its negative meaning [[Matthew 7:16]]. True disciples, in contrast, are expected to bring forth much **fruit** [[John 15:5]].
* `{{G4718}}` **staphylḗ** (a cluster of grapes (as if intertwined):--grapes): This word for **grapes** represents the good and desirable produce that one would never find on a worthless thistle [[Matthew 7:16]].
* `{{G4810}}` **sŷkon** (apparently a primary word; a fig:--fig): Like grapes, the **fig** is a valuable fruit used to illustrate what cannot be gathered from a spiritually barren source like a **tríbolos** [[Matthew 7:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5146}}` is significant, serving as a clear metaphor for spiritual judgment and discernment.
* **Indicator of Falsehood:** In Matthew, the thistle is a key part of the teaching on how to identify false prophets. Just as a thistle cannot produce figs, a false teacher cannot produce righteous works. Their inner nature is revealed by their worthless "fruit" [[Matthew 7:16]].
* **Symbol of the Cursed:** In Hebrews, land that yields briers is a picture of apostasy or a life that, despite receiving blessings, produces nothing of spiritual value. Such a state is described as being rejected, under a curse, and destined for fiery judgment [[Hebrews 6:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5146}}` is more than just a word for a thorny weed. It is a potent biblical symbol for spiritual sterility and that which is rejected by God. Its two occurrences consistently portray it as the antithesis of a fruitful, righteous life. It teaches that a source is known by what it produces, and a life that yields only **thistles** and **briers** instead of good fruit stands under the threat of judgment.
TRV