Lexical Summary larugx: Throat Original Word: λάρυγξ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance throat. Of uncertain derivation; the throat ("larynx") -- throat. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition the throat NASB Translation throat (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2995: λάρυγξλάρυγξ, λάρυγγος, ὁ, the throat (Etym. Magn. (557, 16): λάρυγξ μέν δἰ οὗ λαλοῦμεν ... φάρυγξ δέ δἰ οὗ ἐσθίομεν καί πίνομεν): of the instrument or organ of speech (as Psalm 5:10; Proverbs 8:7; Sir. 6:5(4)), Romans 3:13, where the meaning is, their speech threatens and imprecates destruction to others. (Aristophanes, Euripides, Aristotle, Galen, others; the Sept. several times for גָּרון; more often for חֵך, the palate.) Topical Lexicon Physical Image and Figurative ForceThe word depicts the human throat, the gateway through which both breath and speech travel. Scripture employs this bodily feature as a vivid window into the interior life, for what emerges from the throat reveals the heart’s condition (compare Matthew 12:34). By selecting so graphic an organ, the biblical writers connect the most basic function of living—breathing and speaking—with moral accountability before God. Old Testament Background Romans 3:13 cites Psalm 5:9, where David laments, “their throats are open graves.” In the Septuagint the same Greek term appears, showing continuity between Testaments. Ancient burial practices help sharpen the image: an opened tomb exposed corruption, odor, and death. Likewise, the unregenerate throat sends forth words that betray spiritual decay. Parallel passages broaden the thematic field: • Psalm 115:7 contrasts lifeless idols, whose “throats” (LXX) cannot speak, with the living God who hears. Singular New Testament Occurrence Romans 3:13 “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit…” Within Paul’s courtroom-style indictment (Romans 3:9-19), the solitary appearance of the term carries forensic weight. The apostle strings together a litany of Old Testament citations to prove that every mouth is “silenced” under sin. The throat, designed for life-giving breath, has become an entry point for corruption, while deceitful tongues and venomous lips complete the cascade of verbal sin. The verse functions as evidence that all humanity needs the righteousness revealed in the gospel (Romans 3:21-26). Theological Themes 1. Universal Depravity The throat’s portrayal as an “open grave” signals that depravity is not limited to outward deeds but saturates speech, and therefore the inner person. 2. Speech as Spiritual Barometer Words passing through the throat disclose whether a heart is aligned with truth or falsehood (Ephesians 4:29). The image underscores that sinners are spiritually dead even while physically alive. 3. Need for Cleansing and New Creation Isaiah’s confession, “I am a man of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5), foreshadows the gospel promise that the Lord can touch and purify the mouth (Isaiah 6:7; Acts 2:4). The same organ once compared to a grave can become an instrument of praise. Practical Ministry Implications • Preaching and Teaching Ministers should remember that the throat is the conduit for both life and death. Sound doctrine must flow through sanctified speech (2 Timothy 1:13). • Pastoral Care Counseling that addresses harmful words—gossip, slander, deceit—targets a core manifestation of sin. Shepherds guide believers to surrender their throats to the Lordship of Christ (Romans 6:13). • Worship and Prayer Redeemed throats are called to “declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness” (1 Peter 2:9). Corporate singing, Scripture reading, and intercession transform the organ once likened to a tomb into a vessel of life. Christological Fulfillment Jesus Christ alone spoke with perfect integrity; “No deceit was found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). At the cross He yielded His throat—His very breath—to death, and in resurrection He opened His mouth in peace (John 20:19-21). By union with Him, believers experience the reversal of Romans 3:13: from open graves to open graves emptied. Discipleship and Sanctification James exhorts, “With the same mouth we bless our Lord… and curse men… this should not be” (James 3:9-10). Spiritual growth entails training the throat to align with a renewed heart. Practical steps include: • Scripture memorization, allowing the Word to season speech (Colossians 3:16). Eschatological Outlook At Christ’s return every throat will confess, “Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:11). For the redeemed, that confession issues from a throat no longer likened to a grave but to a fountain of eternal life. Forms and Transliterations λάρυγγι λάρυγγί λάρυγγος λαρυγξ λάρυγξ larunx larynx lárynxLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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