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ὀργή

orgḗ

G3709 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A strong emotional reaction of anger, wrath, or indignation; a settled, often lasting, state of passionate displeasure. In some contexts, refers more broadly to violent emotion, but typically involves judgment or reaction to perceived injustice or wrongdoing. May also, by extension, denote the response or consequence resulting from such anger (e.g., retribution or punishment).

Semantic Range

anger, wrath, indignation, intense displeasure, retributive response, punishment (by extension), settled hostility

Root / Etymology

From the root ὀργ- related to the verb ὀρέγομαι ('to stretch out, to reach for'), though ὀργή is not directly derived from ὀρέγομαι but shares a conceptual connection with the notion of reaching or arousal. In earliest uses, the noun is associated with inward impulse or swelling of feeling. The exact Indo-European root is debated, but likely pertains to movement, swelling, or excitation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ὀργή commonly signifies intense emotion, especially anger, as a settled state rather than as a sudden outburst (which is more typically expressed by θυμός in Homeric Greek). In philosophical and rhetorical contexts, such as Aristotle, ὀργή is distinguished from other passions as a persistent feeling stemming from a sense of injustice or insult. In the Septuagint (LXX), ὀργή frequently translates Hebrew אַף ('ap̄' – nostril, anger) and חֵמָה ('ḥēmāh' – wrath), and often describes divine anger in response to covenant breach or moral evil. In the New Testament, ὀργή continues this usage, denoting both human and divine anger or wrath, often emphasizing settled, deliberate indignation over impulsive rage. It is sometimes personified, especially in eschatological contexts, to refer to the outpouring of divine reckoning. English translations usually render it 'wrath' or 'anger'; however, 'wrath' in English has more restricted connotations than the Greek term, which blends emotion, attitude, and its consequences. ὀργή is distinct from θυμός, which in Koine usage tends to mean a more immediate, passionate outburst, while ὀργή is a more lasting disposition or the outworking of such emotion.

Translation Consistency

primary "wrath" 36 occurrences

ὀργή most often denotes strong, often retributive anger; traditional Bible English and the existing P2 renderings use “wrath” predominantly (21 of 36). “Wrath” captures both intense displeasure and the punitive, consequential sense better than the more neutral “anger,” so it provides the most consistent, natural fit across contexts.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ὀρέγομαι; properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment:--anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath.

Root Family

ὀργή (orgē) — anger, wrath, indignation, aroused displeasure, retributive response

Root ὀργ- to swell, to be aroused, to be angry

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3709-03 ὀργῆς orges N GEN F SG wrath of wrath wrath 14
G3709-01 ὀργὴ orge N NOM F SG wrath settled wrath settled wrath 13
G3709-02 ὀργὴν orgen N ACC F SG wrath wrath wrath 9

Occurrences in Scripture

36 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3709-03 Matthew 3:7 ὀργῆς orges N GEN F SG wrath of wrath wrath
G3709-03 Mark 3:5 ὀργῆς orges N GEN F SG anger of wrath wrath
G3709-03 Luke 3:7 ὀργῆς orges N GEN F SG wrath of wrath wrath
G3709-01 Luke 21:23 ὀργὴ orge N NOM F SG wrath settled wrath settled wrath
G3709-01 John 3:36 ὀργὴ orge N NOM F SG wrath settled wrath settled wrath
G3709-01 Romans 1:18 ὀργὴ orge N NOM F SG wrath settled wrath settled wrath
G3709-02 Romans 2:5 ὀργὴν orgen N ACC F SG wrath wrath wrath
G3709-03 Romans 2:5 ὀργῆς orges N GEN F SG of wrath of wrath of wrath
G3709-01 Romans 2:8 ὀργὴ orge N NOM F SG wrath settled wrath settled wrath
G3709-02 Romans 3:5 ὀργήν orgen N ACC F SG wrath wrath wrath
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