Lexical Summary phruassó: To rage, to be insolent, to be tumultuous Original Word: φρυάσσω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance rage. Akin to bruo, brucho; to snort (as a spirited horse), i.e. (figuratively) to make a tumult -- rage. see GREEK brucho see GREEK bruo HELPS Word-studies 5433 phryássō – properly, to snort, "vehemently neigh" (like a horse, MM); (figuratively) to act with rage (literally like "an uncontrolled horse"). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition to neigh, whinny, fig. to be wanton NASB Translation rage (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5433: φρυάσσωφρυάσσω: 1 aorist 3 person plural ἐφρύαξαν; (everywhere in secular authors and also in Macc. as a deponent middle φρυάσσομαι (Winers Grammar, 24)); to neigh, stamp the ground, prance, snort; to be high-spirited: properly, of horses (Anthol. 5, 202, 4; Callimachus ( Topical Lexicon Root imagery and semantic range Derived from a verb used in classical Greek for the snorting of war-horses, phruassō presents a picture of loud, restless agitation. In secular sources it can describe waves crashing, bulls bellowing, or crowds bristling with indignation. When Scripture adopts the term, the vivid physical image is transferred to collective human rebellion—noise without real power, a futile display of pride before the Almighty. Old Testament background and Septuagint usage Psalm 2:1 opens with the question, “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” The Septuagint renders the Hebrew verb rāgaš with phruassō, emphasizing the chaotic uproar of the Gentile world against the LORD and His Anointed. The psalm moves quickly from the tumult of earth to the tranquil decree of Heaven (Psalm 2:4-7), contrasting human commotion with divine sovereignty. By choosing this vivid verb, the translators spotlight the animalistic arrogance that characterizes opposition to God. New Testament context: Acts 4:25 The lone New Testament occurrence appears in the apostles’ corporate prayer after Peter and John are released by the Sanhedrin: “‘Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot in vain?’” (Acts 4:25). Here ἐφρύαξαν (“they raged”) recasts the hostility of Jerusalem’s leaders as the very same uproar foretold in Psalm 2. The prayer succinctly links Herod, Pontius Pilate, “the Gentiles and the people of Israel” (Acts 4:27) under one banner of futile rebellion. By quoting phruassō, the early church interprets its persecution as part of a larger, prophetic storyline, turning opposition into grounds for confidence and boldness (Acts 4:29-31). Theological significance 1. Confirmation of prophecy Acts 4 demonstrates that Scripture’s foresight is precise: the same verb that once described future Gentile unrest now explains current events. God’s Word proves consistent and reliable. 2. Sovereignty of Christ The raging nations end “in vain” because the Father has installed His King on Zion (Psalm 2:6). The apparent strength of earthly rulers is exposed as empty bravado before the authority of Christ (Matthew 28:18). 3. Consolation amid persecution Recognizing persecution as prophetic fulfillment transforms fear into assurance. What looks like chaos is actually the unfolding of God’s predetermined plan (Acts 4:28). 4. Warning to the proud The snorting image highlights the irrational defiance of unregenerate humanity. Revelation 11:18 echoes the theme: “The nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come.” The gospel therefore calls rulers and peoples to “kiss the Son… lest He be angry” (Psalm 2:12). Implications for ministry and discipleship • Preaching: Passages featuring phruassō frame human opposition as impudent and doomed, encouraging bold proclamation of Christ’s kingship (Ephesians 6:19-20). Historical reception Early Christian writers such as Tertullian and Chrysostom saw Psalm 2 as a messianic charter and read Acts 4 as its fulfillment. The verb phruassō, rare and picturesque, came to symbolize every empire’s doomed revolt—whether Roman power in the patristic era or secular ideologies in later centuries. Hymns, sermons, and confessions repeatedly echo “Why do the nations rage?” to remind the church that the roaring of the world is but a passing storm. Key cross references Psalm 2:1-12; Acts 4:25-31; Isaiah 17:12-13; Revelation 11:18; Revelation 19:19; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10. Summary Strong’s Greek 5433 pictures the boastful uproar of mankind locked in hopeless conflict with its Creator. Its solitary New Testament use ties the first-century persecution of the church to an ancient prophetic script, proving that every surge of opposition ultimately serves the purposes of the enthroned Christ. Forms and Transliterations εφρυαξαν εφρύαξαν ἐφρύαξαν ephruaxan ephryaxan ephrýaxanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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