τρύπημα (trupēma)
trupēma
hole
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun trupēma refers simply to a hole or opening. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Matthew 19:24, where Jesus uses it to describe the eye of a needle. This specific usage highlights the word’s concrete nature; it denotes a small, physical aperture rather than an abstract concept.
Its meaning derives from the verb trypō, which means to bore or pierce. The lexicons note that trupēma is synonymous with other Greek words for hole, such as trēma and trymalia, but its occurrence in Matthew’s Gospel fixes its primary theological resonance around impossibility. By comparing a rich man entering the kingdom of God to a camel passing through this tiny hole, the text emphasizes the extreme difficulty of the task without relying on metaphorical ambiguity.
Translators consistently render trupēma as "eye" in this context, recognizing that the "eye" is the functional opening of the needle. This choice preserves the vivid imagery of a narrow passage. The word itself does not carry spiritual weight; rather, it serves as the physical benchmark against which human effort is measured and found wanting.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word trupēma simply means a hole or opening. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Matthew 19:24. Jesus uses it to describe the eye of a needle when speaking to a rich man who wanted to follow Him. The image is stark and concrete: a large animal trying to pass through a tiny aperture. This visual helps us understand the extreme difficulty of relying on wealth for salvation.
When we read this, it can feel overwhelming. Human effort often falls short of God’s standards. But Jesus does not leave us in despair. He shows that what is impossible for us is possible for God. The focus shifts from our ability to His power. We are invited to trust in His grace rather than our own resources.
This passage reminds us that salvation is a gift, not a reward for wealth or status. It calls us to humility and dependence on God. As we face challenges in life, we can remember that no barrier is too great for Him to overcome. His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- an eye1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τρυπήματος1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 19:24
Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.”
This verse uses trupēma to describe the needle's eye, highlighting the impossibility of a camel passing through such a small opening without divine intervention.