Lexical Summary parorgismos: Anger, provocation, wrath Original Word: παροργισμός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wrath. From parorgizo; rage -- wrath. see GREEK parorgizo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3950 parorgismós (from 3949 /parorgízō, see there) – irritation (exasperation, bitterness) which is provoked, i.e. by someone causing a personal ("up-close") sense of anger (R. Trench, 127). 3950 /parorgismós ("slowly built-up provocation") is only used in Eph 4:26. See 3949 (parorgizō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom parorgizó Definition irritation NASB Translation anger (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3950: παροργισμόςπαροργισμός, παροργισμοῦ, ὁ (παροργίζω), indignation, exasperation, wrath: Ephesians 4:26. (1 Kings 15:30; 2 Kings 23:26; Nehemiah 9:18; (Jeremiah 21:5 Alex.); not found in secular authors) (Synonym: cf. Trench, § xxxvii.) Topical Lexicon Concept Overview Strong’s Greek 3950 designates the inner state of provoked, simmering irritation that, if unchecked, hardens into settled wrath. It is more than a passing flash of annoyance; it is anger nursed and retained. Scripture treats such lingering provocation as spiritually hazardous, contrasting it with momentary righteous indignation that can be disciplined for godly purposes. Scriptural Witness in the New Testament Ephesians 4:26 contains the term’s sole New Testament occurrence: “Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun set upon your anger” (Ephesians 4:26). Here the apostle Paul concedes that anger itself can arise legitimately (“Be angry”), but immediately warns against allowing it to ferment into παροργισμός. The sunset boundary pictures a stringent, daily statute of limitations for resentment. Old Testament Background Paul is drawing from Psalm 4:4, where David counsels, “Be angry, yet do not sin; on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still.” The Septuagint uses cognate vocabulary, reminding readers that even under the Old Covenant God required swift resolution of provocation. Notably, Old Testament law demanded prompt restitution (Leviticus 19:17-18) and sharply condemned cherishing grudges (Proverbs 14:29; Proverbs 29:22). Theology of Righteous Indignation 1. God Himself displays holy anger against sin (Exodus 34:6-7; Romans 1:18). Distinction Between Righteous Anger and Sinful Wrath Righteous, momentary anger: Sinful provocation (παροργισμός): Pastoral and Ministry Application • Daily reconciliation: Spouses, families, and congregations should settle issues before nightfall, modeling the principle of Ephesians 4:26. Historical Interpretation in Church History • Chrysostom noted that Paul “permits the motion, forbids the perpetuity of anger.” Relation to the Character of God While God is “slow to anger” (Psalm 103:8), He never harbors unjust wrath. The believer is summoned to imitate this attribute: patience mixed with zeal for holiness, decisively refusing the bitterness embodied in παροργισμός. Christological Perspective At the cross Jesus absorbed divine wrath, making peace “by the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20). Having been forgiven an infinite debt, Christians are now empowered to release others quickly, proving the reality of the gospel in everyday relationships (Matthew 18:21-35). Practical Counsel for Believers 1. Examine motives: Ask whether anger arises from wounded pride or God-centered concern. When believers replace lingering provocation with Spirit-led reconciliation, they testify to the gospel’s power to transform human relationships and protect the unity of the body of Christ. Forms and Transliterations παροργισμού παροργισμούς παροργισμω παροργισμώ παροργισμῷ parorgismo parorgismō parorgismôi parorgismō̂iLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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