πτύρομαι (pturomai)
pturomai
to frighten
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb pturomai describes being startled or frightened, appearing just once in the New Testament at Philippians 1:28. It is a deponent verb, meaning it has a passive form but an active meaning, so it translates directly as "to frighten" rather than "to be frightened by." This rare word captures a sudden, visceral reaction to threat.
Its usage in Philippians highlights the intensity of the opposition Paul’s community faced. The sources note its connection to related terms for terror or trembling, suggesting a deep sense of alarm. Translators typically render it as "terrify" or "frighten," emphasizing the external pressure intended to shake the believers' resolve.
Though brief, this single occurrence underscores the spiritual warfare described in Philippians. The word points to the real fear that can accompany faithful witness, contrasting the internal confidence of the gospel with the external intimidation of enemies. It reminds readers that facing hostility is part of the Christian experience, yet not a sign of weakness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pturomai appears just once in the New Testament, found in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. It describes a sudden, visceral reaction to threat—a moment where fear tries to take hold of your heart. In that single verse, Paul acknowledges the real intimidation his community faced from opponents. He does not dismiss their anxiety but names it honestly, showing that even faithful believers encounter moments of deep alarm.
Yet Paul turns this fear into a sign of hope. He suggests that the very attempts to frighten believers actually prove their adversaries are on the wrong side of history. This rare Greek term reminds us that external pressure does not equal spiritual defeat. Instead, it highlights the contrast between human threats and divine assurance.
When you face opposition or feel overwhelmed by hostility, this word offers comfort. It validates your feelings while pointing you toward a deeper confidence. The gospel provides an internal strength that external fears cannot shake. You are not alone in feeling afraid; Paul felt it too. But he also knew that God’s purpose stands firm regardless of the noise around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- being frightened1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πτυρόμενοι1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 1:28
and in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
This is the only New Testament occurrence, where Paul uses the term to describe how adversaries tried to intimidate the Philippian church, yet he reframes that intimidation as proof of their ultimate salvation.