### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phryássō**, represented by `{{G5433}}`, describes a tumultuous uproar, defined as to snort like a spirited horse or, figuratively, to make a tumult and **rage**. This specific term is rare in scripture. It appears **2 times** across **1 unique verses** in the Bible, indicating a very focused meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical context for `{{G5433}}` is found in a quotation attributed to David. In [[Acts 4:25]], the early church prays, asking "Why did the heathen **rage**...?" This usage of `{{G5433}}` characterizes the defiant and chaotic opposition of the nations against God's divine plan. The word portrays their resistance not just as simple disagreement, but as a visceral, almost animalistic, uproar. This act of raging is immediately paired with the people imagining futile things.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its only verse of use help clarify its meaning:
* `{{G1484}}` **éthnos**: a race, tribe, or a foreign (non-Jewish) people, often translated as **Gentile**, **heathen**, or **nation**. In [[Acts 4:25]], it is the **heathen** who are said to **rage**. The word is used broadly to refer to all the peoples of the world [[Matthew 28:19]].
* `{{G3191}}` **meletáō**: meaning to revolve in the mind, it is translated as **imagine** or **premeditate**. This word describes the mental activity that accompanies the outward rage, where the people **imagine** vain things [[Acts 4:25]]. It can also be used in a positive sense, as in the command to **meditate** on sound doctrine [[1 Timothy 4:15]].
* `{{G2756}}` **kenós**: meaning empty, either literally or figuratively. It is translated as **empty** or in **vain**. This describes the nature of the things imagined by the raging heathen in [[Acts 4:25]]. The same word is used to describe deceitful philosophy and **vain** words ([[Colossians 2:8]], [[Ephesians 5:6]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5433}}` is concentrated in its single appearance, which highlights a core theme of divine sovereignty versus human rebellion.
* **Rebellious Uproar:** The word captures the essence of humanity's hostile and tumultuous opposition to God's authority. The question "Why did the heathen **rage**?" [[Acts 4:25]] sets the stage for demonstrating God's ultimate power over such uprisings.
* **Futile Opposition:** The rage is explicitly linked to imagining **vain** things `{{G2756}}`, underscoring the ultimate emptiness and failure of any effort that stands against God. This contrasts with labor done in the Lord, which is declared to be "not in **vain**" [[1 Corinthians 15:58]].
* **The Nature of the Nations:** The use of **heathen** `{{G1484}}` in this context defines the source of the rage as those outside of God's covenant people who actively resist his purposes, a theme seen when Christ is "preached unto the **Gentiles**" [[1 Timothy 3:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5433}}` is a vivid and specific term for a rebellious, tumultuous rage. While appearing only once, its context in [[Acts 4:25]] gives it significant weight, portraying the defiant snorting of the nations against the purposes of God. Paired with the concepts of the **heathen** `{{G1484}}`, futile **imagination** `{{G3191}}`, and **vain** `{{G2756}}` thoughts, it illustrates the biblical perspective on the ultimate powerlessness of human rebellion in the face of divine sovereignty.
TRV