### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **trýpēma**, represented by `{{G5169}}`, refers to an **aperture**, specifically a needle's **eye**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The term is derived from a base word related to τρυμαλιά, signifying a small opening or hole.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its single biblical occurrence, `{{G5169}}` is used by Jesus in a striking analogy to illustrate a spiritual truth. He states that it is **easier** `{{G2123}}` for a **camel** `{{G2574}}` to go **through** `{{G1330}}` the **eye** of a **needle** `{{G4476}}` **than** `{{G2228}}` for a **rich man** `{{G4145}}` to **enter** `{{G1525}}` the **kingdom** `{{G932}}` of **God** `{{G2316}}` [[Matthew 19:24]]. The word provides the central, vivid image of an impossibly small opening, emphasizing the immense difficulty being described.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are essential for understanding the context of this powerful image:
* `{{G2574}}` **kámēlos** (a "camel"): This is the large animal used to create the image of impossibility when contrasted with the needle's **eye** [[Matthew 19:24]].
* `{{G4476}}` **rhaphís** (a needle): The object to which the **eye**, or **trýpēma**, belongs, setting the scale of the aperture [[Matthew 19:24]].
* `{{G1330}}` **diérchomai** (to traverse (literally)): This verb describes the action of passing **through** the small aperture, which is presented as a near-impossibility in this context [[Matthew 19:24]].
* `{{G1525}}` **eisérchomai** (to enter (literally or figuratively)): This word is used in parallel to describe the rich man's challenge to **enter** the kingdom of God, linking the physical analogy to the spiritual reality [[Matthew 19:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5169}}` is derived entirely from its role in this one analogy.
* **Illustrating Human Impossibility:** The primary theological function of **trýpēma** is to create a hyperbole that signifies something impossible by human standards. The image of a camel passing through a needle's **eye** frames entering God's kingdom not as merely difficult, but as an act that cannot be achieved through one's own power or resources [[Matthew 19:24]].
* **The Barrier of Riches:** The analogy directly addresses the spiritual danger posed by wealth. For a **rich man** `{{G4145}}`, reliance on material security can be a significant barrier to the total dependence on God required to **enter** `{{G1525}}` His **kingdom** `{{G932}}`. This is a caution against trusting in "uncertain riches, but in the living God" [[1 Timothy 6:17]].
* **Entrance into the Kingdom:** The use of **trýpēma** helps define the conditions for entering the **kingdom of God** `{{G932}}`. It is not based on earthly status or works, but on a divine possibility. This echoes other teachings that entrance into the kingdom requires a spiritual transformation, such as being born of the Spirit [[John 3:5]].
### Summary
In summary, while **trýpēma** `{{G5169}}` is one of the rarest words in the New Testament, its single use carries immense theological weight. It serves as the lynchpin in a powerful metaphor about salvation. By representing an impossibly small aperture, it illustrates the humanly insurmountable obstacle that self-reliant wealth creates for entering the kingdom of God, thereby highlighting that such entrance is ultimately a matter of divine power, not human achievement.
TRV