θλίβω (thlibō)
thlibō
to press on
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb thlibō describes a physical pressing or crushing force, much like grapes being squeezed in a winepress. In Scripture, it frequently depicts the experience of being oppressed or distressed by external pressure. This meaning appears vividly in Matthew 7:14, where the path to life is described as "narrow" and compressed, while elsewhere it refers to people who are afflicted or troubled by hardship.
Its root conveys a sense of tightness and restriction, moving from literal compression to metaphorical suffering. The sources note its use in contexts of persecution and affliction, such as when believers face distress (2 Thessalonians 1:6) or endure trials that test their faith. Translators typically render it as "afflict" or "trouble," capturing the weight of pressure applied to a person’s spirit or body.
This word carries theological weight by framing suffering not as random misfortune, but as a pressing force that can refine character. It appears in passages where Christians are said to be "pressed on every side" yet not crushed (2 Corinthians 4:8), highlighting resilience under pressure. The imagery suggests that while the pressure is real and heavy, it does not necessarily destroy the one being pressed.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word thlibō paints a vivid picture of pressure, like grapes being crushed in a winepress or a crowd pressing tightly against Jesus. In Scripture, it describes the heavy weight of affliction that believers often carry. This is not a vague sense of sadness, but a concrete experience of being squeezed by external forces—persecution, hardship, or physical distress. When you feel overwhelmed by life's demands, this word reminds you that your struggle is real and recognized.
Yet, the biblical narrative does not leave us in that pressure. In 2 Corinthians 4:8, Paul writes that while we are pressed on every side, we are not crushed. The distinction is vital. The pressure may be intense, but it does not have the final word. God’s strength sustains us through the compression, turning our affliction into a testimony of endurance and hope.
This understanding brings comfort to those walking through difficult seasons. You are not alone in feeling the weight of the world. The same God who sees your affliction promises relief and justice (2 Thessalonians 1:7). Your faithfulness under pressure is seen, and it produces a patient endurance that strengthens both you and those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- we are constricted,1×
- we are being pressed:1×
- to those being oppressed1×
- to suffer affliction1×
- they may press upon1×
- oppressing1×
- compressed1×
- being oppressed,1×
- being oppressed1×
- being hard pressed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θλιβομένοις2×
- τεθλιμμένη1×
- θλίβωσιν1×
- θλίβουσιν1×
- θλίβεσθαι1×
- θλιβόμενοι·1×
- θλιβόμενοι,1×
- θλιβόμενοι1×
- θλιβόμεθα,1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 4:8
We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair;
This verse uses the word to show that external pressure, while real, does not result in total destruction because of God's sustaining power.
-
Matthew 7:14
How narrow is the gate and the way is restricted that leads to life! There are few who find it.
Here the related concept of a narrow path is described with similar imagery of restriction, highlighting the difficulty of the way to life.
-
II Thessalonians 1:6
For it is a righteous thing with God to repay affliction to those who afflict you,
The word describes the active affliction believers face, framing it within God's righteous judgment against those who cause such suffering.
-
Hebrews 11:37
They were stoned. They were sawn apart. They were tempted. They were slain with the sword. They went around in sheep skins and in goat skins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated—
This occurrence lists thlibō among the hardships endured by faithful heroes, showing it as a common experience of those who trusted God in ancient times.