θυμόω

thymóō

G2373 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To provoke to anger or become enraged; primarily, to arouse a strong feeling of anger or wrath, either in oneself or in another. The verb can denote the experience of intense agitation or fury, and, in passive forms, often means 'to become angry' or 'to be provoked to anger.' Less commonly, it may describe a general passionate agitation or strong emotional stir.

Semantic Range

to become angry, to be enraged, to be provoked to wrath, to arouse anger (in another), to experience a surge of wrath or passionate emotion, to agitate emotionally

Root / Etymology

From the noun θυμός ('passion, anger, wrath'), suffixed with the verbal ending -όω, forming a denominative verb meaning 'to provoke to anger' or 'to be angry.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The verb θυμόω is primarily found in passive and middle voices in Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and the New Testament. Its usage continues the classical Greek sense of stimulating or experiencing θυμός (anger, strong emotion). In the Septuagint, it often refers to the provocation of wrath in both human and divine contexts. In the New Testament, notably in Revelation 12:17 and 19:19, it appears in the passive ('was enraged'), with the subject experiencing intense indignation or fury. Unlike ὀργίζομαι, which often connotes settled or controlled anger, θυμόω emphasizes emotional agitation or violent outburst, aligning more closely with the idea of being overtaken by passion. Standard English translations typically render the verb as 'to be angry' or 'to be enraged,' but may not capture the full nuance of the passionate and tumultuous emotion implied by the Greek. The root θυμός is widespread in Greek literature, denoting the seat of emotions, especially rage or wrath, and the denominative verb θυμόω inherits this intensity.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from θυμός; to put in a passion, i.e. enrage:--be wroth.

Root Family

θυμόω (thymóō) — to be angry, to provoke, to enrage

Root θυμ- to be angry, to provoke, to enrage

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2373-01 ἐθυμώθη ethumothe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG was furious was enraged was enraged 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2373-01 Matthew 2:16 ἐθυμώθη ethumothe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG was furious was enraged was enraged