Lexical Summary stréniaó: To live luxuriously, to revel, to indulge in luxury Original Word: στρηνιάω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance live luxuriously From a presumed derivative of strenos; to be luxurious -- live deliciously. see GREEK strenos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4763 strēniáō – living in sensual, lustful behavior, i.e. in self-indulgence (wanton luxury). See 4764 (strēnos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as strénos Definition to run riot NASB Translation lived sensuously (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4763: στρηνιάωστρηνιάω, στρηνιω: 1 aor ἐστρηνίασα; (from στρῆνος, which see); a word used in middle and later Comedy for τρυφαν (cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 381; (Rutherford, New Phryn., p. 475f; Winers Grammar, 25)); to be wanton, to live luxuriously: Revelation 18:7, 9. (Compare: καταστρηνιάω.) Topical Lexicon Semantic Range and Literary ContextStrong’s Greek 4763 describes an attitude and lifestyle characterized by wanton self-indulgence, unchecked luxury, and the arrogant security that often accompanies great wealth. While the term itself appears only twice in the New Testament, its theme reverberates throughout Scripture wherever the Spirit condemns opulent pride and careless pleasure seeking. The word is used exclusively in the judgment oracle against end-time “Babylon,” the great city that epitomizes commercial excess and moral decay. Occurrences in Scripture Revelation 18:7 “To the degree that she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief. In her heart she says, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see mourning.’” Revelation 18:9 “Then the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality with her and lived in luxury will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning.” Both occurrences are participial forms and function to intensify Babylon’s self-glorification. The luxury expressed is not morally neutral prosperity but an ostentatious, self-absorbed lifestyle that defiantly rejects dependence on God. Historical and Cultural Backdrop In the first century, Rome embodied the culmination of imperial extravagance. Banquets lasted days, fortunes were flaunted, and sexual license flourished alongside commerce. John’s readers would immediately recognize the indictment of Revelation 18 as a prophetic critique of such excess. Yet the imagery also echoes Old Testament oracles against ancient Babylon, Tyre, and Nineveh, cities equally notorious for wealth and pride (Isaiah 47:8-11; Ezekiel 27; Nahum 3:4). The common thread is a culture so saturated with luxury that it becomes spiritually numb and ripe for sudden judgment. Theological Implications 1. Divine justice balances the scales. Babylon’s indulgence (“she has glorified herself”) calls forth proportional retribution (“give her the same measure of torment”). God’s recompense is precise and fair. Connections to Earlier Revelation Themes The wanton luxury of Revelation 18 amplifies earlier warnings: • Revelation 3:17 rebukes the church in Laodicea: “You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing,’ but you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.” Thus 4763 integrates with Revelation’s broader call to resist material idolatry. Old Testament Echoes Isaiah 47:8-9 employs similar language toward historical Babylon: “You lovers of pleasure… you say to yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.’” The Greek translators (Septuagint) use verbs conveying arrogance and luxury parallel to 4763, linking ancient and future judgments. Ezekiel 28:5 and Amos 6:4-7 likewise expose the danger of opulent complacency. Pastoral and Ministry Application 1. Discipleship and Stewardship. Pastors must teach believers to distinguish between God-given enjoyment of material blessings and the self-indulgent mindset condemned by 4763. Generosity, contentment, and mission-oriented giving combat the Babylon mentality. Eschatological Significance The downfall of the luxurious city preludes the final victory of the Lamb (Revelation 19). The fleeting nature of material splendor contrasts with the eternal inheritance of the saints. Thus 4763 functions as both a warning and a comfort—warning the self-satisfied, comforting the oppressed who await divine vindication. Summary Strong’s 4763 captures the lethal allure of extravagant, self-centered living. Found only in Revelation 18 yet rooted in the wider biblical narrative, it signals God’s unchanging opposition to prideful luxury that lures hearts away from Him. The church, standing in prophetic continuity, is summoned to reject Babylon’s pleasures, embody sacrificial generosity, and await the city “whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Forms and Transliterations εστρηνίασε εστρηνιασεν ἐστρηνίασεν στρηνιασαντες στρηνιάσαντες estreniasen estreníasen estrēniasen estrēníasen streniasantes streniásantes strēniasantes strēniásantesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Revelation 18:7 V-AIA-3SGRK: αὑτὴν καὶ ἐστρηνίασεν τοσοῦτον δότε NAS: herself and lived sensuously, to the same degree KJV: and lived deliciously, so much INT: herself and lived luxuriously so much give Revelation 18:9 V-APA-NMP Strong's Greek 4763 |
    |