στρεβλόω
I rack, pervert, twist
Definition
The verb στρεβλόω (strebloō) literally means to twist or wrench, as with a physical instrument of torture. In a metaphorical sense, it means to distort or pervert something from its true meaning or purpose. In its sole New Testament occurrence, 2 Peter 3:16, it is used metaphorically to describe how ignorant and unstable people distort the writings of Paul, twisting them to their own destruction. The word thus carries a strong sense of intentional, harmful misrepresentation.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 2 Peter 3:16. It describes the action of false teachers and the unlearned who mishandle the complex teachings in Paul's letters. The context is one of warning against doctrinal error, where 'distorting' scripture leads to spiritual ruin. The usage is entirely metaphorical, focusing on the perversion of meaning in sacred texts.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek adjective στρεβλός (streblos), meaning 'twisted' or 'crooked.' It is related to the verb στρέφω (strephō, G4762), meaning 'to turn.' The root idea is one of turning or wrenching something out of its proper, straight course into a crooked or distorted state.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it directly addresses the issue of biblical interpretation and heresy. It warns believers that scripture can be intentionally twisted, leading to destruction. Understanding this Greek term highlights the seriousness with which the apostles viewed the accurate handling of God's word and the grave spiritual consequences of distorting it. It underscores the need for sound, faithful teaching.
In the Greco-Roman world, the literal sense of 'twisting' was associated with torture devices or the wrenching of limbs. This violent physical imagery powerfully informs its metaphorical use for distorting truth. The audience would have understood that to 'twist' scripture was not a minor error but a violent act against the text's intended meaning.
διαστρέφω (diastrephō, G1294) — to distort or corrupt, often with a sense of leading astray; μεταστρέφω (metastrephō, G3344) — to turn about, change, or pervert.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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