ὀργή (orgē)
orgē
wrath
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 34 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun orgē denotes a settled disposition or impulse toward anger, rather than a fleeting emotional outburst. In classical usage and the Septuagint, it often describes a natural temperament or character trait. When applied to human interaction, as in Ephesians 4:31 or James 1:20, it refers to the kind of rage that must be discarded because it disrupts peace. It is not merely irritation but a deep-seated hostility.
For divine action, orgē carries significant weight. It describes God’s consistent reaction against sin, portrayed in anthropomorphic terms as anger. Romans 1:18 explains this as God’s wrath being revealed from heaven against human ungodliness. The term also points to the resulting judgment, such as the "wrath to come" mentioned by John the Baptist in Matthew 3:7. Translators often use "wrath" or "anger," capturing both the source and its consequences.
A key distinction exists between orgē and thymos. While thymos suggests a sudden, explosive passion, orgē implies a more enduring state of mind. This nuance helps explain why Paul can speak of believers being saved from God’s wrath in Romans 5:9; it refers to the final, settled judgment against sin, not just a momentary divine temper.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word orgē describes a settled disposition toward anger rather than a sudden outburst. In human relationships, this deep-seated hostility disrupts peace and must be discarded, as seen in Ephesians 4:31 where Paul urges believers to put away wrath alongside bitterness. It is not mere irritation but a persistent state that damages community and reflects a heart far from God’s design for harmony.
When applied to God, orgē signifies His consistent, righteous reaction against sin. Romans 1:18 explains this as wrath revealed from heaven against ungodliness. This is not an unpredictable temper but a holy response to the suppression of truth. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance.
Yet there is profound hope. Believers are saved from this coming judgment through Christ, as Romans 5:9 assures us. God’s wrath is real, but His grace is greater. We are called to live in peace with others and rest in the security of salvation, trusting that Christ has delivered us from the wrath to come.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 34 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wrath21×
- wrath?3×
- of wrath3×
- anger,2×
- anger2×
- wrath!1×
- to wrath;1×
- anger.1×
- [the] wrath1×
- [the] anger1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὀργῆς10×
- ὀργὴ9×
- ὀργὴν6×
- ὀργῆς;2×
- ὀργῇ2×
- ὀργῆς.¶1×
- ὀργῆς,1×
- ὀργῇ·1×
- ὀργήν;1×
- ὀργήν.1×
- ὀργήν,1×
- ὀργή1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 1:18
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
This verse establishes the foundational theological context, showing God's wrath as a revealed reality against human ungodliness rather than a hidden or arbitrary emotion.
-
Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice.
Here the word is applied to interpersonal relationships, commanding believers to actively remove this settled hostility from their daily conduct.
-
Romans 5:9
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we will be saved from God’s wrath through him.
This occurrence highlights the redemptive purpose of Christ's work, assuring believers that they are saved from the final outcome of God's wrath.
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John 3:36
One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won’t see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
The note emphasizes the present reality of God's wrath remaining on those who disobey the Son, contrasting it with the eternal life promised to believers.