στρεβλόω
streblóō
G4761 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To twist or distort physically or metaphorically; primarily to twist, wrench, or bend, especially with force; in figurative contexts, to distort, pervert, or misinterpret (e.g., the meaning of words or writings). The term may refer to physical torturing or, more frequently in literary contexts, the manipulation or misrepresentation of meaning.
Semantic Range
to twist (physically), to wring (by force), to torture (by rack), to distort (figuratively), to pervert, to misinterpret
Root / Etymology
From the verb στρέφω (to turn, twist) with denominative suffix -όω, indicating the action of twisting, distorting, or wrenching. The root denotes physical turning, and the derivative is used for both concrete and abstract acts of twisting or distorting.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, στρεβλόω often pertains to the application of force to twist or wrench, including contexts of physical torture (notably by use of the στρέβλη, 'torture rack'). By the Hellenistic and especially Koine periods, its use increasingly shifted to the figurative sense of distorting or misinterpreting, especially of speech, writing, or law. In the New Testament (e.g., 2 Peter 3:16), the verb denotes the act of distorting the meaning of writings, reflecting the figurative development of the term. In secular Koine usage, it can refer to literal wracking/torture, but such usage becomes less common. English translations typically render the figurative sense as 'to twist,' 'to distort,' or 'to misinterpret,' though nuances of deliberate manipulation or violence may be lost. Contrasts with related verbs such as παραβάλλω ('to misapply') and διαστρέφω ('to distort, pervert'), noting that στρεβλόω may carry a more forceful or deliberate connotation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a derivative of στρέφω; to wrench, i.e. (specially), to torture (by the rack), but only figuratively, to pervert:-- wrest.
Root Family
στρεβλόω (streblóō) — to twist, wrench, distort
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4761-01 |
στρεβλοῦσιν | streblousin | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
wrest | they are distorting | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4761-01 |
2 Peter 3:16 | στρεβλοῦσιν | streblousin | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
wrest | they are distorting |