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βρυγμός

brygmós

G1030 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Intense grinding or gnashing, particularly of teeth; the act or sound of forcibly grinding or clenching the teeth, frequently signaling extreme emotional response such as pain, rage, anguish, or despair. The primary lexical meaning is the audible grinding or clenching of teeth; by extension, it can signify an outward physical manifestation of inner turmoil or agony.

Semantic Range

gnashing (of teeth), grinding (of teeth), audible evidence of pain or rage, visible expression of anguish or fury

Root / Etymology

From the verb βρύχω (brychō), meaning 'to gnash or grind' (typically referring to teeth). The term is a noun formation from the root βρυγ-. No evidence of borrowing; it is of native Greek formation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic sources, βρυγμός is rare as a noun but well-attested as a verb (βρύχω) referring to the physical action of grinding or gnashing teeth, often involuntarily, whether due to cold, anger, or pain. In the Septuagint and New Testament, βρυγμός takes on metaphorical significance, describing not only a physical act but also an emotional and existential response to suffering or judgment (e.g., 'weeping and gnashing of teeth'). In these contexts, it signals an extreme reaction to misfortune or condemnation, notably in apocalyptic or judgment scenes. English translations often render it as 'gnashing (of teeth),' but this may obscure the physicality and expressive force suggested in the Greek. Unlike the verb, the noun form occurs almost exclusively in hellenistic-Jewish and early Christian literary traditions, especially in texts depicting judgment or divine retribution. The nuance here is both physiological (the physical grinding sound or gesture) and expressive (a visible, involuntary response to profound distress).

Translation Consistency

primary "gnash" 7 occurrences

βρυγμός is most naturally and commonly rendered in English as the act/sound of gnashing (especially "gnashing of teeth"). ‘Gnash’ captures the audible, forceful grinding/clenching and the emotional sense (pain, rage, anguish) and will produce natural English forms (gnashes/gnashing/gnashed) across all occurrences.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from βρύχω; a grating (of the teeth):--gnashing.

Root Family

βρυγμός (brygmos) — gnashing, grinding, clenching (of teeth)

Root βρυγ- to gnash, to grind, to clench (teeth)

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1030-01 βρυγμὸς brugmos N NOM M SG gnashing gnashing of teeth gnashing of teeth 7

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1030-01 Matthew 8:12 βρυγμὸς brugmos N NOM M SG gnashing gnashing of teeth gnashing of teeth
G1030-01 Matthew 13:42 βρυγμὸς brugmos N NOM M SG gnashing gnashing of teeth gnashing of teeth
G1030-01 Matthew 13:50 βρυγμὸς brugmos N NOM M SG gnashing gnashing of teeth gnashing of teeth
G1030-01 Matthew 22:13 βρυγμὸς brugmos N NOM M SG gnashing gnashing of teeth gnashing of teeth
G1030-01 Matthew 24:51 βρυγμὸς brugmos N NOM M SG gnashing gnashing of teeth gnashing of teeth
G1030-01 Matthew 25:30 βρυγμὸς brugmos N NOM M SG gnashing gnashing of teeth gnashing of teeth
G1030-01 Luke 13:28 βρυγμὸς brugmos N NOM M SG gnashing gnashing of teeth gnashing of teeth
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