Lexical Summary erethizó: To provoke, to irritate, to stir up Original Word: ἐρεθίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance provoke. From a presumed prolonged form of eris; to stimulate (especially to anger) -- provoke. see GREEK eris NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom erethó (to stir to anger) Definition to stir up NASB Translation exasperate (1), stirred (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2042: ἐρεθίζωἐρεθίζω; 1 aorist ἠρεθισα; (ἐρέθω to excite); to stir up, excite, stimulate: τινα, in a good sense, 2 Corinthians 9:2; as common in Greek writings from Homer down, in a bad sense, to provoke: Colossians 3:21, where Lachmann παροργίζετε. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope A verb of motion applied to the inner life, expressing the act of rousing another—either to wholesome zeal or to bitter irritation. The moral value of the provocation rests on the intent and the spiritual condition of those involved. New Testament Occurrences • 2 Corinthians 9:2 (constructive stimulus) Constructive Provocation (2 Corinthians 9:2) “Your zeal has stirred most of them to do likewise”. Paul holds up the Corinthian eagerness as a catalyst for Macedonian generosity. Within the communion of the saints, well-placed testimony multiplies obedience and unites diverse congregations in one mission. Destructive Provocation (Colossians 3:21) “Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged”. The household code binds parental authority to Christ’s gentleness. Persistent irritation or capricious demands crush developing spirits and sow seeds of revolt or despair. Biblical Integration • Hebrews 10:24 urges believers to “spur one another on toward love and good works,” echoing the positive side of the verb. Historical Setting First-century patria potestas often allowed severe paternal control; Colossians 3:21 counters that harsh climate. Conversely, honor-based philanthropy prized public benefactors; 2 Corinthians 9 employs that cultural habit for kingdom generosity, sanctifying competitive zeal. Pastoral and Family Applications 1. Leadership: Celebrate authentic obedience as a model, never as manipulation. Practical Discernment Ask of every exhortation: Does it kindle faith, hope, and love, or does it smother them? Words that pierce must also heal (Proverbs 12:18; Ephesians 4:29). Zeal without love warps into cruelty; love devoid of zeal sinks into apathy. Related Themes Stirring to love and good works – Hebrews 10:24 Provoking the Lord to jealousy – Deuteronomy 32:21 Parental restraint – Ephesians 6:4 Holy emulation – Romans 11:11–14 Summary Strong’s Greek 2042 uncovers a neutral spiritual force: the power to stir. Harnessed in the Spirit, it spreads liberality, courage, and faith; wielded in the flesh, it breeds resentment and despair. Wise disciples discern the difference and provoke only unto love. Forms and Transliterations ερεθίζει ερεθιζετε ερεθίζετε ἐρεθίζετε ερεθισμόν ερεθισμώ ερεθιστής ηρεθισε ηρέθισε ἠρέθισε ἠρέθισεν μὴ erethisen eréthisen ērethisen ēréthisen erethizete erethízete me mēLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 9:2 V-AIA-3SGRK: ὑμῶν ζῆλος ἠρέθισεν τοὺς πλείονας NAS: and your zeal has stirred up most KJV: your zeal hath provoked very many. INT: your zeal provokes the greater number Colossians 3:21 V-PMA-2P Strong's Greek 2042 |
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