Lexical Summary strénos: Luxury, revelry, indulgence Original Word: στρῆνος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance delicacy, luxuryAkin to stereos; a "straining", "strenuousness" or "strength", i.e. (figuratively) luxury (voluptuousness) -- delicacy. see GREEK stereos HELPS Word-studies 4764 strḗnos (from strēnēs, "rough, grating") – properly, excessive, strong desire that "longs to break forth" (J. Thayer), i.e. in self-indulgent luxury (used only in Rev 18:3). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom strénés (hard, strong) Definition insolent luxury NASB Translation sensuality (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4764: στρῆνοςστρῆνος, στρήνους, τό (allied with στερεός, which see), excessive strength which longs to break forth, over-strength; luxury (R. V. wantonness (marginal reading luxury)): Revelation 18:3 (see δύναμις, d.); for שַׁאֲנָן, arrogance, 2 Kings 19:28; eager desire, Locophron, 438. Topical Lexicon Overview The term στρῆνος (strēnos) conveys an atmosphere of luxuriant excess that is both material and sensual. It depicts a style of living so saturated with self-indulgence that it becomes a power in itself, shaping attitudes, economies, and even empires. Usage in Revelation 18:3 “For all the nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her immorality; the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxury.” (Revelation 18:3) Here strēnos is rendered “luxury.” The phrase “the power of her luxury” emphasizes that Babylon’s opulence is not merely an incidental detail; it is the very engine driving her global influence and intoxicating the nations. Association with End-Time Babylon 1. Economic magnetism: The city’s wealth attracts merchants worldwide, creating an international system tied to covetousness and idolatry. Old Testament Parallels • Isaiah 47:8–9 addresses proud Babylon: “You who dwell securely… you say in your heart, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.’” These passages show that strēnos-like indulgence is a recurring theme that the prophets consistently condemn. Moral Warnings Regarding Luxury • Luke 16:19–25 contrasts the rich man’s lavish living with Lazarus’ destitution, highlighting eternal reversal. Contrast with Godly Stewardship and Contentment Scripture affirms that wealth is not inherently evil (Proverbs 10:22), yet it must be held in submission to God’s purposes. Believers are called to generosity (2 Corinthians 9:6-8), contentment (Hebrews 13:5), and a life that seeks first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). Eschatological Significance Strēnos represents the allure of the final world system that opposes Christ. Its fleeting nature underscores the certainty of Christ’s return and the establishment of a kingdom “that cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28). Practical Ministry Applications 1. Discipleship: Teach believers to discern between legitimate enjoyment of God’s gifts and destructive self-indulgence. Homiletical Insights Strēnos serves as a vivid illustration of how wealth, wedded to arrogance, can become a “power” that intoxicates culture. A sermon on Revelation 18:3 can highlight: Summary Strēnos crystallizes the Bible’s consistent warning against opulence divorced from devotion. It stands as both a mirror—exposing the human heart’s susceptibility to excess—and a signpost, directing believers toward the enduring riches found only in Christ. Forms and Transliterations εκθαμβήσει στρήνός στρηνους στρήνους στρίφνος στροβείτω στροβήσει στρογγύλα στρογγύλην στρογγύλον στρογγυλούν στρογγύλωμα στρογγύλωσιν στρουθίζων strenous strēnous strḗnousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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