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παροξύνω

paroxýnō

G3947 verb

SILEX Entry

Root ὀξ- to sharpen, to make keen, to provoke

Definition

To provoke, to arouse to anger or irritation, to stimulate a strong emotional reaction (often negative such as irritation, anger, or exasperation); to incite or spur on, sometimes in the sense of urging to action (whether positive or negative). The primary sense involves causing sharp emotional or mental response, especially by rousing a strong feeling such as annoyance or indignation.

Semantic Range

to provoke, to irritate, to rouse to anger, to exasperate, to incite, to spur, to stimulate (emotionally or mentally)

Root / Etymology

From the preposition παρά ('beside, alongside') and a derivative of ὀξύς ('sharp, keen'). The compound carries the sense of 'to make sharp beside,' thus 'to arouse sharply.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

Attested in classical Greek with senses of 'to sharpen beside,' in both literal and metaphorical usages. In Hellenistic Greek, especially the Septuagint and the New Testament, the term predominantly acquires a figurative use: to provoke or stimulate a strong response, especially irritation or anger (Acts 17:16, 1 Cor 13:5). In positive contexts, occasionally used with the sense of inciting to action or encouraging (see e.g. Hebrews 10:24: 'to spur one another to love and good works,' where the noun form παροξυσμός is used). Thus, while standard English translations often narrow the meaning to 'provoke' or 'exasperate,' the semantic field in Koine is broader, including both negative and occasionally positive connotations, depending on context. Distinct from other Greek terms for 'anger' or 'provocation' (such as ὀργίζω, θυμόω), which focus more strictly on the emotional state rather than the act of incitement.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from παρά and a derivative of ὀξύς; to sharpen alongside, i.e. (figuratively) to exasperate:--easily provoke, stir.

Root Family

παροξύνω (paroxynō) — to sharpen, to make keen, to provoke

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G3947-02 παρωξύνετο paroxuneto V IMPF PASS IND 3P SG was provoked was being provoked 1
G3947-01 παροξύνεται paroxunetai V PRS PASS IND 3P SG is provoked is being provoked 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G3947-02 Acts 17:16 παρωξύνετο paroxuneto V IMPF PASS IND 3P SG was provoked was being provoked
G3947-01 1 Corinthians 13:5 παροξύνεται paroxunetai V PRS PASS IND 3P SG is provoked is being provoked
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