βρύχω (bruchō)
bruchō
to gnash
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb bruchō describes the physical act of grinding or gnashing teeth. In its simplest sense, it refers to biting or chewing greedily, but in biblical usage it almost always conveys intense emotion. The action is involuntary, triggered by overwhelming feelings such as rage, pain, or despair.
Its most famous occurrence appears in Acts 7:54, where the religious leaders hearing Stephen’s speech become "filled with fury" and gnash their teeth at him. This single instance captures the word’s theological weight: it is not merely a facial expression but a visceral reaction to truth that threatens one’s position or comfort.
The sources note its presence in the Greek Old Testament, particularly in Psalms and Lamentations, where enemies gnash their teeth in mockery or hatred. This background helps clarify why the New Testament uses it for hostile rejection. It portrays a raw, unfiltered response to something deeply offensive or distressing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word bruchō describes the physical act of grinding or gnashing teeth, but in Scripture it carries a heavy emotional weight. It is rarely just about hunger; instead, it signals intense rage, pain, or despair. When people gnash their teeth in the Bible, they are often reacting to truth that threatens their comfort or position. This involuntary reaction shows how deeply some hearts resist God’s message.
In Acts 7:54, Stephen’s accusers gnashed their teeth at him after hearing his bold witness. Their anger was so fierce it spilled over into their faces. This moment reminds us that speaking truth can provoke strong reactions. It is not always easy to stand firm when others respond with hostility. Yet this word also highlights the seriousness of our message.
When we face opposition, we do not need to match their anger. Instead, we can trust God’s justice and remain calm. The Bible encourages us to respond with grace, even when others react with fury. This kind of patience reflects Christ’s own heart toward those who opposed Him. We are invited to rest in His peace, knowing that He sees our struggles and will bring final justice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- were gnashing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔβρυχον1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 7:54
Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.
This verse captures the word's theological weight by showing how Stephen’s accusers reacted with visceral fury to his testimony, illustrating the hostile rejection of divine truth.