Lexical Summary chalepos: Difficult, hard, fierce, grievous Original Word: χαλεπός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fierce, perilous. Perhaps from chalao through the idea of reducing the strength; difficult, i.e. Dangerous, or (by implication) furious -- fierce, perilous. see GREEK chalao HELPS Word-studies 5467 xalepós (an adjective, derived from xaleptō, "to oppress, annoy," J. Thayer) – properly, irksomely hard to bear (LS); fiercely difficult to cope with because so harsh (even injurious). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition hard (to do or bear) NASB Translation difficult (1), violent (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5467: χαλεπόςχαλεπός, χαλεπης, χαλεπόν (from χαλέπτω to oppress, annoy ((?))), from Homer down, hard (Latindifficilis); a. hard to do, to take, to approach. b. hard to bear, troublesome, dangerous: καιροί χαλεποί (R. V. grievous), 2 Timothy 3:1; harsh, fierce, savage: of men, Matthew 8:28 (Isaiah 18:2 and often in secular authors from Homer down). Strong’s Greek 5467 appears twice in the New Testament. In Matthew 8:28 it describes the violent temperament of the two demoniacs of Gadara who terrorized a district until Jesus set them free. In 2 Timothy 3:1 it characterizes the moral and spiritual climate of the last days as “perilous.” Both settings depict intense, threatening conditions that exceed ordinary hardship, requiring divine intervention and steadfast faith. Occurrences and Immediate Contexts • Matthew 8:28 – “They were so violent that no one could pass that way.” The word frames the scene not merely as difficult but as spiritually dangerous. Human strength and civil order were powerless until Jesus arrived. The authority of Christ over powers of darkness becomes unmistakable against the backdrop of such ferocity. • 2 Timothy 3:1 – “But understand this: In the last days perilous times will come.” Paul warns Timothy that seasons of grave moral collapse are inevitable as history moves toward its consummation. The term indicates intensifying hostility toward truth rather than routine adversity. Leaders and congregations are thus alerted to expect turbulence that tests loyalty to sound doctrine. Old Testament and Septuagint Parallels Although the exact Greek term does not appear in the Hebrew Scriptures, the Septuagint often employs cognate language to render Hebrew expressions for calamity and oppression (for example, Psalm 107:2-3 LXX). These parallels reinforce the biblical pattern that God’s people regularly face seasons of distress in which only His deliverance suffices. Historical and Cultural Background Classical writers used related vocabulary to describe treacherous seas, savage animals, and oppressive rulers—images that convey imminent threat to life. In the first-century Roman world, political instability, banditry, and occult practices made such language vivid for original readers. Matthew’s Gospel and Paul’s pastoral letters situate Christ’s followers within that volatile context, highlighting the contrast between worldly peril and kingdom security. Theological Significance 1. Revelation of Christ’s Authority 2. Eschatological Realism 3. Perseverance of the Saints Pastoral and Discipleship Implications • Vigilant Shepherding Elders must equip saints to recognize and resist ferocious ideologies that masquerade as enlightenment (2 Timothy 3:5). • Spiritual Warfare Prayer, confession of Scripture, and corporate worship serve as God-ordained means of pushing back chaotic forces that would otherwise overwhelm individuals and communities. • Compassionate Outreach The episode in Matthew encourages engagement with people trapped in destructive bondage; no case is too extreme for the gospel’s liberating power. Mission and Evangelism The juxtaposition of demonic violence and Christ’s peace underscores the urgency of proclaiming the good news in spiritually volatile settings. Mission work is not merely humanitarian; it confronts evil systems with the transforming authority of Jesus. Application for the Contemporary Church 1. Discern the Times Cultural hostility toward biblical truth should not surprise; it validates apostolic prediction and calls for unwavering proclamation. 2. Cultivate Spiritual Resilience Discipleship that majors on comfort will falter when seasons grow perilous. Churches are to nurture habits of holiness, scriptural literacy, and mutual accountability. 3. Demonstrate Fearless Compassion Believers confront “violent” conditions—whether demonic oppression, societal breakdown, or ideological aggression—not with retreat but with Spirit-empowered courage and sacrificial love. Conclusion Strong’s 5467 serves as a textual warning flare and a theological signpost. It marks out moments when human capacities fail and divine resources shine. From the graveyard of Gadara to the forecast of last-day turmoil, Scripture presents Christ as sovereign over every fierce circumstance and the believer’s sure refuge when seasons grow perilous. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 8:28 Adj-NMPGRK: μνημείων ἐξερχόμενοι χαλεποὶ λίαν ὥστε NAS: [They were] so extremely violent that no KJV: exceeding fierce, so that INT: tombs coming violent very so that 2 Timothy 3:1 Adj-NMP |
    |