τύφω (tuphō)
tuphō
to smoulder
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb tuphō describes the act of raising smoke or causing something to smoulder. With only one occurrence in the New Testament, it appears in Matthew 12:20 within a quotation from Isaiah 42:3. In this context, it conveys the image of a faintly smoking wick that remains lit without bursting into open flame.
Its meaning is closely tied to its noun form, tuphos, which refers to smoke or vapor. The verb captures a state of low-intensity activity rather than vigorous action. This specific usage highlights a gentle persistence, where the light continues to burn steadily even when the fuel is dwindling and the smoke is barely visible.
Translators often render this phrase as "bruised reed he will not break, and smoking flax he will not quench." The choice of words here emphasizes preservation over destruction. The image suggests a careful handling of what is fragile, ensuring that even the weakest signs of life are protected rather than extinguished by harsh treatment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tuphō paints a quiet picture of a wick that is barely smoking, yet still holding onto its flame. In Matthew 12:20, this image describes how Jesus treats those who are worn down by life. He does not extinguish the faintest spark of hope in someone who feels broken or exhausted.
This gentle care means your struggles do not push you away from Him. Even when your faith feels weak or your energy is low, His presence remains steady. You are held with a tenderness that preserves rather than breaks what is fragile.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- smoldering1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τυφόμενον1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 12:20
He won’t break a bruised reed. He won’t quench a smoking flax, until he leads justice to victory.
This verse uses the word to show Jesus will not extinguish the faint hope of those who are weary.