θραύω
thraúō
G2352 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To break in pieces, to shatter, to crush—refers to the act of breaking an object or substance into smaller fragments by force; in figurative contexts, to bring to ruin or to destroy completely. The term can indicate both a violent, physical breaking and, in figurative usage, a decisive defeat or crushing blow.
Semantic Range
to break in pieces, to shatter, to crush, to bruise deeply, to destroy, to ruin, to liberate from oppression (metaphorically)
Root / Etymology
From the Greek root θραυ-, likely of onomatopoeic origin, imitating the sound of shattering or breaking. No secure connection to other Indo-European roots; not clearly connected to ῥήγνυμι (break, burst), but sometimes compared due to semantic overlap. Etymology uncertain beyond attested Greek usage.
Historical & Contextual Notes
θραύω appears rarely in surviving Greek literature but is found in the Septuagint (LXX) and the New Testament (e.g., Luke 4:18, rendering the Hebrew דכא in Isaiah 61:1 as 'to set at liberty those who are oppressed/broken'). In classical Greek, usage is attested but uncommon, with a basic sense of smashing or shattering hard objects (such as rocks or pottery). In the LXX, θραύω frequently translates Hebrew terms for 'crushing' or 'bruising,' especially in contexts of physical injury or moral/psychological oppression. In the New Testament, it carries both literal and metaphorical senses: physical wound, defeat of enemies, or liberation from oppression. English translations often select 'bruise,' 'break,' or 'crush,' but the Greek term is somewhat broader, able to describe destruction in both physical and extended senses. It does not imply a superficial injury, but a major destructive action. Compared to ῥήγνυμι (to break by tearing or bursting), θραύω generally emphasizes breaking into fragments via impact or crushing. The verb is not common outside of Jewish or Christian Greek texts, and its prevalence in such literature suggests an influence from the translation of Hebrew terms denoting severe physical or emotional harm.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primary verb; to crush:--bruise. Compare ῥήγνυμι.
Root Family
θραύω (thrauō) — to break, to shatter, to crush
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2352-01 |
τεθραυσμένους | tethrausmenous | V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M PL |
the oppressed | those having been shattered | those having been shattered | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2352-01 |
Luke 4:18 | τεθραυσμένους | tethrausmenous | V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M PL |
the oppressed | those having been shattered | those having been shattered |