τραῦμα (trauma)
trauma
wound
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun trauma refers simply to a physical wound or injury. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 10:34, where the Good Samaritan binds the wounds of a beaten traveler. The word describes the tangible damage inflicted on the body, serving as the concrete object of the Samaritan’s care.
In the Septuagint, this Greek term often translates Hebrew words for piercing or breaking, linking it to themes of violence and physical harm. Its rarity in the New Testament highlights the specific moment of mercy it captures: the immediate response to suffering. The word carries no inherent metaphorical weight in this context, focusing entirely on the visible need that demands practical attention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word trauma points to a real, physical wound that requires immediate attention. In Luke 10:34, the Good Samaritan sees these injuries and responds with practical care. He does not offer empty words but uses oil and wine to bind the wounds. This image reminds us that compassion often looks like tangible help for those who are hurting.
When we face suffering, whether our own or someone else’s, this story invites us to stop and notice the visible need. It is a call to action that goes beyond sympathy. By attending to the broken places in our world, we reflect the heart of God who cares for the vulnerable.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wounds1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τραύματα1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 10:34
came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
This verse uses the word to describe the physical injuries the Samaritan actively binds and treats with oil and wine.