τρυφή
tryphḗ
G5172 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Enjoyment of luxurious living or sensual pleasure; in various contexts, refers to the state or experience of excessive ease, self-indulgence, or refined physical gratification. Can also denote wantonness or extravagance when used pejoratively, often implying a moral critique of overindulgence or softness.
Semantic Range
luxury, sumptuous living, self-indulgence, pleasure in elegance or ease, wantonness, riotous living, moral softness
Root / Etymology
From the Greek root τρυφ-, related to the verb τρύφω, 'to live softly, revel, luxuriate.' The term is not derived from a Semitic root. First attested in classical Greek literature.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, τρυφή commonly denoted luxury, splendid living, or enjoyment of fine things, often with a neutral or positive connotation. However, in Hellenistic and later usage—including in the Septuagint and New Testament era—the term increasingly carries a negative sense, critiquing excessive indulgence, moral laxity, or social decadence. In the New Testament (notably Luke 7:25 and James 5:5), τρυφή describes a life of self-indulgence and luxurious ease, set in contrast to discipline or virtue. English translation tradition often uses terms like "delicately," "luxury," or "riot," but these do not fully capture the range of association, especially the implied moral judgment in many contexts. Unlike related terms such as ἀσέλγεια (licentiousness) which focus on unrestrained vice, τρυφή centers specifically on indulgence in softness, pleasure, or luxury, often with connotations of aristocratic or elite behavior. The term does not inherently imply effeminacy; such readings arise from cultural associations in certain periods but are not a necessary part of the word's semantic range. In Septuagint and other Koine sources, τρυφή may be used in wisdom and proverbial literature to warn against dissolute living.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (to break up or (figuratively) enfeeble, especially the mind and body by indulgence); effeminacy, i.e. luxury or debauchery:--delicately, riot.
Root Family
τρυφή (tryphē) — luxurious living, self-indulgence, refined pleasure, wantonness
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5172-01 |
τρυφῇ | truphe | N DAT F SG |
luxury | in self-indulgent luxury | luxury | 1 |
G5172-02 |
τρυφήν | truphen | N ACC F SG |
to revel | luxurious indulgence | luxurious indulgence | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5172-01 |
Luke 7:25 | τρυφῇ | truphe | N DAT F SG |
luxury | in self-indulgent luxury | luxury |
G5172-02 |
2 Peter 2:13 | τρυφήν | truphen | N ACC F SG |
to revel | luxurious indulgence | luxurious indulgence |