τραχύς (trachus)
trachus
rough
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective trachus describes something physically rough, rugged, or uneven. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, always applied to geography rather than character. It conveys a sense of harsh terrain that is difficult to traverse, whether referring to rocky shores or steep paths.
Its usage highlights the challenging nature of the landscape. Luke 3:5 quotes Isaiah to describe "rough" paths that must be made straight, echoing the Septuagint’s rendering of Hebrew terms for uneven ground. Similarly, Acts 27:29 uses it to depict rocky sea coasts where sailors feared being dashed against the shore.
The word likely stems from a root suggesting jaggedness or rents in the earth. This etymology reinforces its concrete meaning of irregular, broken surfaces. Translators consistently render it as "rough" or "rocky," preserving the vivid image of difficult physical conditions that require careful navigation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word trachus describes terrain that is jagged, uneven, and difficult to cross. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, always painting a picture of harsh physical landscapes rather than human character. It reminds us that life often presents obstacles that feel like rocky shores or steep, broken paths where navigation requires great care.
In Luke 3:5, this roughness is part of a prophetic image where valleys are filled and mountains lowered. The rough ways become smooth, suggesting that divine intervention prepares the path for those who seek it. This imagery offers comfort when your own journey feels obstructed by circumstances that seem impossible to traverse.
Similarly, Acts 27:29 uses the term to describe dangerous coastal waters where sailors feared being dashed against the rocks. These instances show that roughness is a real part of the human experience, yet it does not have the final word. Even in the most treacherous conditions, there is hope for safe passage and clarity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- rough1×
- rocky1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τραχεῖς1×
- τραχεῖαι1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 3:5
Every valley will be filled. Every mountain and hill will be brought low. The crooked will become straight, and the rough ways smooth.
This verse uses trachus to describe the rough ways that will be smoothed out, highlighting God's power to remove obstacles in a person's path.
-
Acts 27:29
Fearing that we would run aground on rocky ground, they let go four anchors from the stern, and wished for daylight.
Here the word depicts the rocky ground feared by sailors, illustrating the tangible danger and uncertainty faced during a storm at sea.