παροτρύνω (parotrunō)
parotrunō
to incite
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb parotrunō means to urge someone forward or stir them into action. Its imagery comes from spurring a horse, suggesting a forceful push rather than a gentle suggestion. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 13:50, where it describes how certain individuals stirred up public opinion against Paul and Barnabas.
This single occurrence highlights its active, often disruptive nature. The sources note that the word implies incitement, turning passive listeners into active opponents. It captures a moment of intense social pressure, where words are used to mobilize people against a specific target, marking it as a term of conflict rather than encouragement.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word parotrunō carries the image of spurring a horse to move faster, implying a forceful push rather than gentle advice. In Acts 13:50, it describes how opponents stirred up public opinion to expel Paul and Barnabas from their city. This vivid imagery reminds us that words can be used as weapons to mobilize people against others.
When you face unfair criticism or hostility, remember that such conflict is not new to the Christian walk. The early church faced similar pressures, yet they continued to share the message despite being pushed out. Your faith does not depend on smooth sailing but on standing firm when others try to stir up trouble against you.
May you find peace in knowing that no amount of stirring can shake the foundation of your trust in Christ. Even when circumstances feel chaotic, God remains in control and uses these moments to refine your character and deepen your reliance on Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- incited1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παρώτρυναν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 13:50
But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out of their borders.
This verse shows the word used to describe active incitement that leads to persecution and expulsion, highlighting its disruptive nature.