θριαμβεύω (thriambeuō)
thriambeuō
to triumph
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb thriambeuō describes leading someone or something in a triumphal procession, drawing on the imagery of a Roman military victory parade. In this context, it means to cause one to triumph or to make a spectacle of them. The word carries the weight of public display, where the victor leads captives through the streets as a demonstration of power and conquest.
In the New Testament, this term appears in two key passages that offer contrasting perspectives on victory. In 2 Corinthians 2:14, Paul uses it positively to describe how God leads believers in Christ’s triumphal procession, spreading the fragrance of knowing Him everywhere. Here, Christians are depicted as captives who share in the victory rather than being defeated.
Conversely, Colossians 2:15 presents a darker image where Christ disarms spiritual powers and makes a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them on the cross. This usage highlights the decisive nature of Jesus’ victory, turning what might seem like defeat into a cosmic display of power. The word thus captures both the joy of shared victory and the humiliation of defeated enemies.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word paints a vivid picture of God’s ultimate victory. In 2 Corinthians 2:14, Paul describes how God always leads us in triumph in Christ. Rather than being defeated by life’s struggles, we are part of a grand procession where God spreads the sweet aroma of His knowledge through us. This means our daily lives become a public display of His grace and truth, no matter where we go.
There is also a profound comfort in knowing that every spiritual force opposing us has already been disarmed. As Colossians 2:15 explains, Christ made a public spectacle of these powers on the cross. What looked like defeat was actually a decisive victory. We do not fight for victory; we walk in the victory He has already won.
This assurance changes how we face fear or uncertainty. When you feel overwhelmed, remember that you are led by the Victor. Your life is not defined by your enemies’ strength but by Christ’s triumph. This hope anchors your soul and invites you to share His peace with others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- leading in triumph1×
- having triumphed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θριαμβεύσας1×
- θριαμβεύοντι1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 2:14
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and reveals through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place.
This verse shows believers as captives in God's victory procession, highlighting that we share in Christ's triumph rather than facing defeat.
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Colossians 2:15
Having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Here the word describes Christ publicly shaming spiritual powers, turning the cross from a symbol of shame into a display of divine conquest.