πτῶσις (ptōsis)
ptōsis
fall
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun ptōsis refers to a physical fall or a sudden downfall. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both times describing the consequences of building one’s life on unstable ground. Jesus uses the term in Matthew 7:27 to illustrate what happens when a house is constructed without a foundation; the structure does not merely crack but suffers a complete collapse.
While the word generally denotes a literal fall, Luke 2:34 applies it metaphorically. Simeon prophesies that Jesus will be a sign spoken against, causing some to fall and others to rise in Israel. Here, ptōsis captures the spiritual ruin or rejection that results from opposing God’s purposes, contrasting sharply with the restoration offered to those who accept Him.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ptōsis describes more than a stumble; it signifies a complete collapse. Jesus used this image to warn that building a life on unstable ground leads to ruin when storms arrive. This is not about minor cracks in the foundation but a total failure of structure. It reminds us that our spiritual safety depends entirely on where we place our trust.
In Luke, the meaning shifts slightly to show how people respond to Jesus. He becomes a dividing line, causing some to fall away while others rise up. This highlights the weight of our choices. We are invited to stand firm on Him, finding stability that does not crumble under pressure or opposition.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fall1×
- [the] falling1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πτῶσις1×
- πτῶσιν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 7:27
The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell—and its fall was great.”
This verse uses ptōsis to describe the total structural collapse of a house built without a foundation, illustrating the catastrophic result of ignoring Jesus' teachings.
-
Luke 2:34
Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against.
Here Simeon prophesies that Jesus will cause some in Israel to fall spiritually, showing how rejecting Him leads to ruin while accepting Him brings rise.