ὠρύομαι (ōruomai)
ōruomai
to roar
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ōruomai means to roar or howl, describing the deep, guttural cry of wild animals like lions and wolves. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in 1 Peter 5:8, where believers are warned that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. This vivid image captures not just noise, but a predatory intensity and imminent danger.
Its root sense applies to beasts raising loud, inarticulate cries, whether of grief or aggression. The sources note it translates the Hebrew sha’ag, used for the lion’s roar in the Old Testament. By using this specific word, Peter emphasizes the raw, terrifying nature of spiritual opposition, contrasting it with the calm confidence believers are called to maintain through faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ὠρύομαι paints a picture of raw, predatory intensity. It is not a casual growl but the terrifying roar of a lion ready to strike. In 1 Peter 5:8, this vivid image warns us that spiritual opposition is real and active. The devil does not merely whisper; he prowls with lethal intent, seeking to devour those who are unguarded.
This reminder is not meant to paralyze you with fear but to sharpen your awareness. Being sober-minded and watchful means staying alert to the dangers around you while resting in God’s protection. When you recognize the seriousness of the threat, you are more likely to stand firm in faith rather than drift into complacency.
Even though the enemy roars, his power is limited by God’s sovereignty. You do not face this battle alone. The same God who commands the lion also sustains His people. By staying awake and trusting in Him, you can walk through any season with peace, knowing that your refuge is secure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- roaring1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὠρυόμενος1×
Key Verses
-
I Peter 5:8
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
This verse uniquely applies the roar of a lion to the devil’s predatory intent, highlighting the urgent need for spiritual vigilance against active opposition.