Strong’s G5171: A verb meaning “to live luxuriously” or “to indulge oneself,” truphao appears in James’s warning against selfish wealth. It describes self-indulgent living that disregards spiritual responsibilities and the needs of others.
U- Unveiling the Word
The Greek word τρυφάω (truphao) describes a lifestyle of self-indulgent luxury and pleasure-seeking. In the New Testament, it appears in James’s strong warning against wealthy believers who live in luxury while neglecting their spiritual obligations and the poor. The word carries connotations of moral softness and spiritual negligence that come from excessive comfort. The early church fathers frequently used τρυφάω when discussing the dangers of materialism and the need for spiritual discipline. Today, this word continues to challenge believers about the proper use of resources and the spiritual dangers of self-indulgence.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: τρυφάω, truphao, troo-FAH-o
- Detailed pronunciation: τρυ (troo) + φά (FAH) + ω (o)
- Part of Speech: Verb
Etymology:
- Root: τρυφή (tryphe) meaning “softness/luxury”
- Suffix: -άω (-ao) forming verb
- Basic meaning: “to live softly/luxuriously”
D – Defining Meanings
- Primary meaning: “to live luxuriously”
- To indulge oneself
- To live in pleasure
- To be self-indulgent
For compound words: Not applicable as τρυφάω is a simple verb
Translation Options:
- “to live luxuriously” – Most precise meaning
- “to indulge” – General meaning
- “to live in pleasure” – Descriptive meaning
E – Exploring Similar Words
σπαταλάω (spatalao) [spa-ta-LAH-o] – to live wastefully – See G4684
χλιδάω (chlidao) [khlee-DAH-o] – to luxuriate – See G5500
τρυφή (tryphe) [troo-FAY] – luxury – See G5172
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
- Tense: Aorist
- Voice: Active
- Mood: Indicative
- Person: Second
- Number: Plural
- Aspect: Perfective
The verb changes form based on usage:
- Present: τρυφάω (I live luxuriously)
- Aorist: ἐτρύφησα (I lived luxuriously)
- Perfect: τετρύφηκα (I have lived luxuriously)
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
Major lexicons provide insight into τρυφάω’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its negative connotations of self-indulgent living. Thayer’s lexicon traces its development from concepts of softness to moral weakness. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek for luxurious living. Vine’s expands on its theological significance in James’s warning. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds context from Septuagint usage regarding corruption through wealth. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its use in describing wealthy lifestyles.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
“You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence [ἐτρυφήσατε]. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.” James 5:5
Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of τρυφάω in the New Testament.
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Xenophon: Cyropaedia | “The Persians lived luxuriously [τρυφάω] in their wealth.” |
| Plutarch: Lives | “They indulged [τρυφάω] in excessive pleasures.” |
| Demosthenes: Orations | “The citizens grew soft living luxuriously [τρυφάω].” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
The word τρυφάω powerfully warns against the spiritual dangers of self-indulgent living. Its appearance in James’s letter highlights how material comfort can lead to spiritual complacency and moral blindness. This promotes the good news by calling believers to use their resources for God’s kingdom rather than self-indulgence. Through τρυφάω, we see that true prosperity lies not in luxury but in faithful stewardship of God’s gifts.
D – Did You Know?
- τρυφάω was often used to describe Persian court life
- Early Christians saw it as opposite to Christian asceticism
- The word influenced medieval discussions of wealth ethics
Strong’s G5171: A verb meaning “to live luxuriously” or “to indulge oneself,” truphao appears in James’s warning against selfish wealth. It describes self-indulgent living that disregards spiritual responsibilities and the needs of others.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: luxury, self-indulgence, wealth, warning, materialism, stewardship, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, ethics, judgment, responsibility
