θραύω

I crush, break, shatter

Definition

θραύω means to crush, break, or shatter something physically, often with force. In its single New Testament occurrence in Luke 4:18, it is used metaphorically in a quotation from Isaiah 61:1, where Jesus declares His mission 'to proclaim liberty to the captives... to set at liberty those who are oppressed.' Here, 'to set at liberty' translates a form of 'ἀποστέλλω' (apostellō), but the Septuagint's underlying Hebrew concept involves breaking bonds or yokes, aligning with θραύω's sense of breaking oppressive forces. Thus, the word carries both a literal sense of physical breaking and a powerful figurative sense of breaking spiritual, social, or oppressive bonds.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 4:18, where Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue at Nazareth. The usage is entirely metaphorical, referring to the breaking of chains or yokes of oppression as part of the Messiah's liberating mission. It appears in a prophetic, declarative context central to Jesus' self-proclaimed purpose.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek verb θραύω (thrauō), meaning 'to break in pieces, shatter, crush.' It is related to words like θρύπτω (thryptō, 'to break in pieces') and shares a root sense of violent breaking or crushing. The word's meaning remained consistent in its transition from classical to Koine Greek.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, θραύω is theologically significant as it captures a core aspect of Jesus' messianic mission: the active breaking of bondage. It moves beyond mere 'releasing' to imply a forceful shattering of the powers of sin, oppression, and captivity. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of Luke 4:18 by emphasizing the power, decisiveness, and completeness of the liberation Christ brings, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 61:1).

In the 1st-century Jewish context of Luke's Gospel, listeners would have immediately connected Jesus' quotation of Isaiah 61:1 to hopes for Messianic deliverance from political, social, and spiritual oppression. The concept of 'breaking' yokes was a powerful image of liberation from slavery, debt, and foreign rule. This resonated deeply in a culture under Roman occupation, framing Jesus' mission in terms of a definitive, powerful act of freedom.

συντρίβω (syntribō, G4937) — emphasizes crushing or breaking completely, often used for bones or vessels. κλάω (klaō, G2806) — typically means to break bread. ῥήγνυμι (rhēgnymi, G4486) — to burst, tear, or break open with sudden force.

Word Details

Scripture References