Lexical Summary pturó: To winnow, to fan, to scatter Original Word: πτυρό Strong's Exhaustive Concordance terrify. From a presumed derivative of ptuo (and thus akin to ptoeo); to frighten -- terrify. see GREEK ptuo see GREEK ptoeo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition to be frightened NASB Translation alarmed (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4426: πτύρωπτύρω: ((cf. Curtius, p. 706)); to frighten, affright: present passive participle πτυρόμενος, Philippians 1:28. (Hippocrates ( Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 4426 describes the sudden, instinctive alarm that seizes a person or an animal when startled. In Pauline usage it underscores a refusal to let intimidation take hold. While Scripture repeatedly warns against ungodly fear, this term pinpoints the specific moment in which fear might first erupt and calls believers to quench it immediately with steadfast confidence in God. Biblical Occurrence and Context Philippians 1:28 contains the lone New Testament instance: “without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.” The participle πτυρόμενοι portrays believers under pressure yet unshaken. Paul has just urged the church to “stand firm in one spirit, contending together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27), so the command not to be startled completes the picture of corporate stability. Historical Setting in Philippi Philippi was a Roman colony where civic life centered on loyalty to Caesar. Christians who confessed “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9) instantly became objects of suspicion. The congregation also faced agitation from Judaizing teachers (Philippians 3:2). Paul, writing from imprisonment, knew intimidation tactics firsthand (Acts 16:22–24; Acts 28:30–31). His counsel targets the psychological warfare believers endure when social, political, or religious powers threaten reprisal. Theological Themes 1. Gospel Worthiness. Courage validates gospel conduct (Philippians 1:27). Fearlessness is not bravado but evidence that Christ’s peace rules the heart (Colossians 3:15). Related Biblical Concepts • “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:9). Implications for Ministry and Discipleship • Pastoral Encouragement: Leaders strengthen congregations by reminding them that steadfastness is itself a testimony to the world and a confirmation of God’s saving work. Noteworthy Applications in Church History Early martyrs, Reformers, and modern persecuted saints have cited Philippians 1:28 as a bulwark. Polycarp’s calm before the proconsul, Luther’s stance at Worms, and present-day believers who sing in prison cells all embody the same refusal to be startled, turning apparent weakness into a sign of divine victory. Devotional Reflection Every believer meets moments when hostile voices seek to startle the soul. The Spirit invites us to identify that first flutter of panic and answer with praise, prayer, and solidarity with Christ’s people. In so doing we proclaim, even to our adversaries, that salvation belongs to the Lord. Forms and Transliterations πτυρομενοι πτυρόμενοι pturomenoi ptyromenoi ptyrómenoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Philippians 1:28 V-PPM/P-NMPGRK: καὶ μὴ πτυρόμενοι ἐν μηδενὶ NAS: in no way alarmed by [your] opponents-- KJV: nothing terrified by INT: and not being frightened in nothing |
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