Lexical Summary strebloó: To twist, to distort Original Word: στρεβλόω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wrest. From a derivative of strepho; to wrench, i.e. (specially), to torture (by the rack), but only figuratively, to pervert -- wrest. see GREEK strepho HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4761 streblóō ("from 4762 /stréphō, 'twist, turn,' " J. Thayer) – "properly, 'to twist, causing torture'; (figuratively) to twist (pervert) language" (A-S). See 4762 (strephō). M. Vincent, "4761 /streblóō ('to wrest, twist') is applied to perverting (twisting) Scripture" (used only in 2 Pet 3:16). [The noun-form (streblē) literally refers to an instrument of torture ("a winch"). Hence 4761 /streblóō ("twist, wrest") implies "to torture; put to the rack," i.e. to twist or dislocate (like limbs on a torture rack).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom streblos (twisted) Definition to twist NASB Translation distort (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4761: στρεβλόωστρεβλόω, στρέβλω; (στρεβλός (from στρέφω) twisted, Latintortuosus; hence, στρέβλη, feminine, an instrument of torture); to twist, turn awry (Herodotus); to torture, put to the rack (Aristophanes, Plato, Demosthenes, Polybius, Josephus, 3Macc. 4:14); metaphorically, to pervert, of one who wrests or tortures language to a false sense, 2 Peter 3:16. Topical Lexicon Word Overview The verb translated “distort” in 2 Peter 3:16 depicts the violent wrenching of something from its true shape. In Greek literature it could describe the twisting of a rope, a limb, or even the rack applied in torture. Peter chooses this graphic term to portray what false teachers do to apostolic doctrine—bending it out of its God-intended form. Biblical Context 2 Peter 3:16: “Some things are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.” 1. The sentence completes Peter’s defense of Paul’s letters (3:15-16), placing them on equal footing with “the rest of the Scriptures.” Imagery of Distortion • A craftsman who warps a straight plank ruins its usefulness (Isaiah 44:13). Peter’s imagery evokes each of these pictures, underscoring the pain and damage inflicted on souls when truth is manipulated. Historical Background Early Greek writers used the verb for: By Peter’s day, the term conveyed deliberate perversion. Hellenistic Jews and the early church readily applied such vocabulary to corrupt teaching, so Peter’s readers would have heard both the physical violence and the moral outrage the word implies. Theological Significance 1. Canonical Equality: By saying Paul’s letters can be distorted “as they do the rest of the Scriptures,” Peter affirms their inspired, canonical status. Ministerial Implications • Teachers are stewards (James 3:1). A careless or agenda-driven exposition places both teacher and hearers at risk. Related Biblical Warnings Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Jeremiah 23:36; Ezekiel 13:8-9; Matthew 22:29; Acts 20:29-30; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Galatians 1:7-9; 1 Timothy 1:7; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Jude 4. Practical Application for Today 1. Cultivate Humility: Recognize areas that are “hard to understand” and seek consensus within historic orthodoxy. In a single, vivid verb 2 Peter exposes the peril of mishandling God’s Word. Faithful believers therefore strive to hear Scripture on its own terms, submit to its authority, and proclaim it without distortion—for their own salvation and the blessing of the church. Forms and Transliterations στρεβλουσιν στρεβλούσιν στρεβλοῦσιν στρεβλωθήση στρεπτά στρεπτήν στρεπτόν streblousin strebloûsinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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