### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **trochós**, represented by `{{G5164}}`, literally means a wheel. Figuratively, it describes a circuit of physical effects, translated as **course**. It appears only 1 time in 1 verse in the Bible, making its single usage highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G5164}}` is in [[James 3:6]], where it is used to illustrate the destructive power of the tongue. The verse states that the tongue "setteth on fire the **course** of nature." Here, **trochós** portrays the entire cycle or wheel of a person's life, from birth to death. The imagery suggests that the misuse of the tongue can set this entire existence ablaze, corrupting it from its origin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{G5164}}` is clarified by the words used alongside it in its only context:
* `{{G1100}}` **glōssa** (the tongue): This is the agent that sets the **course** on fire. The dossier notes that the **tongue** can be a "world of iniquity" [[James 3:6]].
* `{{G1078}}` **génesis** (nature): This word specifies what kind of **course** is being discussed—the "course of **nature**," referring to one's nativity or natural life cycle [[James 3:6]].
* `{{G5394}}` **phlogízō** (to cause a blaze, i.e. ignite): This verb describes the action taken against the **course** of nature, highlighting its destructive and inflammatory effect [[James 3:6]].
* `{{G1067}}` **géenna** (hell): The passage identifies the ultimate source of the destructive fire that ignites the **course** of nature, revealing its demonic origin [[James 3:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5164}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful metaphor in [[James 3:6]].
* **The Cycle of Existence:** **Trochós** depicts human life as a continuous, rolling wheel or circuit. This emphasizes that the tongue's influence is not isolated but can corrupt the entire journey.
* **Total Defilement:** The context explains that the fire ignited by the tongue **defileth** `{{G4695}}` the whole **body** `{{G4983}}`, showing that a corrupt tongue can lead to the corruption of the entire person and their life path.
* **Unholy Ignition:** The passage explicitly states that the **course** of nature is "set on fire of **hell**" `{{G1067}}`. This connects unchecked, destructive speech directly to a source of ultimate evil, distinguishing it as far more than a minor flaw.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G5164}}` is an exceedingly rare word in Scripture, its single use offers a profound and sobering teaching. As the "course of nature," it represents the entirety of a person's life. Its context in [[James 3:6]] serves as a stark warning that the tongue possesses the power to ignite this entire cycle with a destructive fire that originates from hell itself, defiling the whole body.
TRV