Lexical Summary talaipóros: Wretched, miserable Original Word: ταλαίπωρος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wretched. From the base of talanton and a derivative of the base of peira; enduring trial, i.e. Miserable -- wretched. see GREEK talanton see GREEK peira HELPS Word-studies 5005 talaípōros (an adjective, derived from talaō, "to bear, undergo" and pōros, "a callous," J. Thayer) – properly, wretched (beaten-down) from continued strain, leaving a person literally full of callouses (deep misery) – describing a person with severe side-effects from great, ongoing strain (significant hardships). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably from a root tala- (patient, stedfast) and póreó = pentheó Definition distressed, miserable NASB Translation wretched (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5005: ταλαίπωροςταλαίπωρος, ταλαίπωρον (from ΤΑΛΑΩ, ΤΛΑΩ, to bear, undergo, and πῶρος a callus (others, πῶρος, but cf. Suidas (edited by Gaisf.), p. 3490 c. and note; others connect the word with περάω, πειράω, cf. Curtius, § 466)), enduring toils and troubles; afflicted, wretched": Romans 7:24; Revelation 3:17. (Isaiah 33:1; Tobit 13:10; Wis. 3:11 Wis. 13:10; (Pindar), Tragg., Aristophanes, Demosthenes, Polybius, Aesop, others.) Topical Lexicon Range of Meaning and Thematic Overview The word describes the deep inward misery of a soul that has come face-to-face with its own spiritual poverty. It is not merely emotional discouragement; it is a moral and spiritual wretchedness that cries out for deliverance. Scripture employs the term to expose self-reliance and to drive the heart toward the grace of God in Jesus Christ. Occurrences in the New Testament • Romans 7:24 captures the apostle’s anguished admission: “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?”. Here the term surfaces at the climax of Paul’s analysis of the law’s inability to save. It exposes the bankruptcy of human effort and prepares the way for the triumphant answer of verse 25. Old Testament and Intertestamental Echoes The Septuagint uses cognate forms to describe the storm-tossed sufferer in Isaiah 54:11 and the anguish of the Psalms (for example Psalm 140:12 LXX). These backgrounds reinforce a biblical pattern: affliction that surpasses human remedy becomes the arena for divine intervention. Jewish wisdom literature likewise links inner turmoil to the need for God’s instruction and mercy, setting the stage for the New Testament’s fuller revelation. Doctrinal Significance 1. Conviction of Sin: Romans 7 demonstrates that true awareness of sin precedes joyful assurance in Christ (Romans 8:1). Christological and Eschatological Dimensions The wretchedness of Romans 7 propels the believer to the person of Jesus Christ, the only Deliverer from the “body of death.” In Revelation, the same Lord walks among the lampstands, exposing hidden misery and offering gold refined by fire—Himself. Both texts frame human misery within the larger redemptive narrative that culminates in the new creation where “there will be no more mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). Pastoral and Homiletical Applications • Evangelistic Preaching: Proclaim the gravity of sin before the grandeur of grace. Historical Witness Early fathers such as Augustine quoted Romans 7:24 to describe the human heart apart from grace. Reformers made the verse a cornerstone of teaching on sola fide. Throughout revivals, recognition of personal and collective wretchedness has often preceded spiritual awakening. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Discipleship: Foster habits of daily repentance and reliance on the Spirit (Romans 8:13). Summary The term serves as Scripture’s searching spotlight, revealing the misery of sin and the futility of self-reliance. Whether voiced by an apostle wrestling with the flesh or by the risen Christ confronting a complacent church, it presses every hearer to embrace the only effective remedy—grace through the Lord Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations ταλαιπωρος ταλαίπωρος ταλαιπώρους ταλαιπώρως talaiporos talaipōros talaíporos talaípōrosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 7:24 Adj-NMSGRK: ταλαίπωρος ἐγὼ ἄνθρωπος NAS: Wretched man that I am! Who KJV: O wretched man that I am! INT: O wretched I am man Revelation 3:17 Adj-NMS |
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