Lexical Summary mogis: Hardly, scarcely, with difficulty Original Word: μόγις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hardly. Adverb from a primary mogos (toil); with difficulty -- hardly. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3425 mógis(from mogos, "laborious toil") – properly, scarcely (barely), i.e. what happens with great difficulty. 3425 /mógis ("scarcely") also stresses the prolonged nature of an action – which itself makes the action very difficult. See 3433 (mólis). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originanother reading for molis, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3425: μόγιςμόγις (μόγος toil), from Homer down, hardly, with difficulty: Luke 9:39 (yet WH Tr marginal reading μόλις, which see). (3Macc. 7:6.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 3425 occurs a single time in the New Testament, in Luke 9:39. The term conveys the idea of something accomplished only “with difficulty,” “scarcely,” or “hardly.” Its rarity makes the occurrence in Luke especially noteworthy, highlighting the severe struggle portrayed in that passage and inviting reflection on the broader biblical testimony about human helplessness and divine deliverance. Biblical Context and Narrative Setting Luke 9 records the account of a desperate father whose son is oppressed by an unclean spirit. The father explains that “a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely leaves him, and it is destroying him” (Luke 9:39). The word translated “scarcely” is 3425. This adverb heightens the vivid picture drawn by Luke: the demonic power releases the boy only for brief, tenuous moments, and even those moments are gained with painful exertion. By employing the term, Luke underscores the intractable nature of the boy’s bondage and the utter inability of human effort to secure lasting relief. The narrative reaches resolution only when Jesus commands the spirit and fully restores the child (Luke 9:42), demonstrating the supremacy of Christ over the most relentless spiritual forces. Theological Themes 1. Total Dependence on Christ The father’s experience mirrors the condition of fallen humanity: deliverance comes only through the authoritative word of the Son of God (John 8:36). The adverb signals that any temporary reprieve achieved apart from Christ is fragile at best. 2. Spiritual Warfare and Perseverance Scripture consistently presents spiritual conflict as real and fierce (Ephesians 6:12). The notion of “scarcely” being freed highlights the prolonged pressures believers may endure before final victory. Yet the same passage affirms that Jesus’ power is decisive and complete. 3. Compassionate Ministry of Jesus Luke emphasizes Jesus’ compassion toward sufferers (Luke 7:13; Luke 8:50). Even when liberation appears nearly impossible—“with difficulty”—the Savior intervenes. This theme encourages believers to intercede persistently for those caught in seemingly hopeless situations. Relation to the Cognate Form (Strong’s 3433) The closely related adverb that appears elsewhere (for example, Acts 14:18; Romans 5:7) likewise conveys “hardly” or “with difficulty.” By using 3425 in Luke 9:39, the Gospel writer may be echoing that broader linguistic field while giving special nuance to the immediate storyline. Collectively, the two forms remind readers that human resources are insufficient, yet God’s grace triumphs even in circumstances that are “scarcely” survivable. Historical Usage in Early Church Teaching Early Christian commentators drew attention to the intensity of the boy’s torment to illustrate both the ferocity of demonic opposition and the matchless authority of Christ. For instance, Chrysostom noted that the severity of the case magnified the miracle, proving that no ailment is too stubborn for the Lord. Patristic homilies often used Luke 9:39–42 to call believers to unwavering faith amid relentless trials. Pastoral and Ministry Application • Intercession for the Oppressed The passage encourages persistent prayer for those under spiritual or physical affliction. When deliverance seems achievable only “with difficulty,” the church is to seek Christ’s intervention, confident in His power (James 5:14–16). • Encouragement in Prolonged Struggle Believers enduring drawn-out hardships can take comfort that Scripture acknowledges the reality of “scarcely” attainable relief, yet also testifies to God’s ultimate victory (2 Corinthians 4:8–9). • Discernment in Spiritual Care The father had turned first to the disciples, who failed (Luke 9:40). Ministry leaders today must rely on genuine dependence upon Christ, not on human technique, when confronting entrenched oppression. Related Passages and Biblical Echoes • Mark 9:17–29 – Parallel account underscoring prayer and faith as means of overcoming potent demonic resistance. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 3425, though occurring only once, carries profound theological weight. It portrays the near-impossibility of deliverance apart from Christ, magnifies His authoritative compassion, and offers enduring hope to all who face battles that are won only “with difficulty.” Forms and Transliterations μόγιςLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 9:39 AdvGRK: ἀφροῦ καὶ μόγις ἀποχωρεῖ ἀπ' INT: foaming and with difficulty departs from μνημονεύητε — 1 Occ. |
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