θριαμβεύω

thriambeúō

G2358 verb

SILEX Entry

Root θριαμβ- to lead in a triumphal procession, to celebrate victory

Definition

To lead in a public triumphal procession, specifically to parade as victor and display the conquered. In broader or metaphorical contexts, to celebrate a victory, to cause someone to be publicly exhibited as part of a triumph, or more generally, to triumph over or have victory over.

Semantic Range

to parade as victor, to celebrate a triumph, to make an acclamatory procession, to cause someone to be exhibited in a triumph, to lead captive in a triumph, to triumph over

Root / Etymology

From θρίαμβος (thriambos), meaning 'a hymn or procession in honor of Dionysus (Bacchus),' combined with the verb-forming suffix -εύω, indicating performing or engaging in the action of a θρίαμβος. Not directly derived from θροέω or ἅπτομαι. θρίαμβος itself is likely of pre-Greek origin and refers to a celebratory, especially religious, procession.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, θριαμβεύω referred to the celebratory processions (θρίαμβος) in honor of Dionysus, later coming to mean the act of leading a triumphal procession, particularly of a victorious general parading through a city with captives and spoils. In Hellenistic and Roman contexts, it became closely associated with the Roman triumph—a formal and public display of victory. In the Septuagint and New Testament (notably 2 Corinthians 2:14 and Colossians 2:15), the term is used metaphorically to signify being led in a triumphal procession, either as a victorious party or, more precisely in the original imagery, as a conquered party displayed by a victor. English translations often render it as 'to triumph' or 'to cause to triumph,' sometimes blurring whether the subject is being celebrated or paraded as a captive. The term is distinct from νικάω (to conquer) and does not inherently mean 'to win' but focuses on the public display of victory.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a prolonged compound of the base of θροέω; and a derivative of ἅπτομαι (meaning a noisy iambus, sung in honor of Bacchus); to make an acclamatory procession, i.e. (figuratively) to conquer or (by Hebraism) to give victory:--(cause) to triumph (over).

Root Family

θριαμβεύω (thriambeuō) — lead in a triumphal procession, celebrate victory, parade as victor, triumph over

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G2358-02 θριαμβεύσας thriambeusas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG having triumphed having led in triumphal procession 1
G2358-01 θριαμβεύοντι thriambeuonti V PRS ACT PTCP DAT M SG to the one leading in triumphal procession 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G2358-01 2 Corinthians 2:14 θριαμβεύοντι thriambeuonti V PRS ACT PTCP DAT M SG to the one leading in triumphal procession
G2358-02 Colossians 2:15 θριαμβεύσας thriambeusas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG having triumphed having led in triumphal procession