ὀργίζω (orgizō)

The verb orgizō describes the act of provoking anger or becoming angry oneself. In the New Testament, it appears in both active and passive voices, capturing the dynamic of human emotion that leads to conflict. It is most frequently found in the Gospels, particularly in Matthew, where Jesus uses it to address serious interpersonal failures.

A striking example occurs in Matthew 18:34, where a servant who was forgiven an immense debt becomes angry when his fellow servant refuses a small loan. This usage highlights how orgizō often marks a failure of mercy or patience. Similarly, in Revelation 11:18, it describes the anger of nations against God’s authority, showing its use for intense, collective hostility.

The word is closely related to orgē (anger), but while orgē can refer to divine wrath, orgizō focuses on the human experience of being provoked or provoking others. It appears in contexts where personal relationships are strained by pride or injustice. The sources note its occurrence in Luke 15:28, where the older brother becomes angry at his father’s celebration, illustrating its use for familial resentment.

Translators often render orgizō as "became angry" or "was provoked," depending on context. Its presence in Scripture serves as a warning against allowing anger to dictate actions, especially when forgiveness is possible. The word underscores the tension between human frailty and the call to grace.