παροξύνω (paroxunō)
paroxunō
to provoke
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb paroxunō carries the vivid image of sharpening a blade or goading an animal, but in Scripture it applies to human emotions. It means to provoke, irritate, or rouse someone to anger. The word suggests a deliberate act that stirs up strong feelings, often leading to frustration or rage rather than simple disagreement.
Its usage appears in two key New Testament contexts. In Acts 17:16, Paul is described as being "provoked" within himself when he saw Athens full of idols, indicating a deep spiritual agitation. Conversely, 1 Corinthians 13:5 lists it as something love does not do, meaning love does not seek to irritate or provoke others to anger. This contrast highlights its forceful nature.
The word’s root implies making something sharp, which metaphorically translates to making a person’s temper sharp or sensitive. Translators often render it as "provoked" or "angered," capturing the sense of being stirred up to a heightened emotional state. It is not passive irritation but an active stirring that can lead to conflict.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word paroxunō paints a vivid picture of sharpening a blade or goading an animal, but in Scripture it describes stirring up strong human emotions. It refers to provoking irritation or anger rather than simple disagreement. This is not passive annoyance; it is an active force that can lead to conflict and frustration.
In Acts 17:16, we see Paul’s spirit provoked within him as he saw Athens full of idols. This shows a deep spiritual agitation in response to idolatry. Conversely, 1 Corinthians 13:5 teaches that love does not provoke others to anger. Understanding this word helps us recognize how our actions can stir up negative feelings in others.
Reflecting on this term invites us to examine how we interact with those around us. We are called to avoid behaviors that sharpen tempers or irritate our neighbors. Instead, we can choose responses that build peace and reflect the patience of Christ. This awareness allows us to navigate difficult relationships with greater grace and wisdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was provoked1×
- is easily provoked,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παρωξύνετο1×
- παροξύνεται,1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 17:16
Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw the city full of idols.
This verse shows Paul’s internal spiritual agitation when confronted with widespread idolatry in Athens.
-
I Corinthians 13:5
doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil;
Here the word defines a boundary for love, specifying that true love does not seek to irritate or provoke others.