Lexical Summary bruchó: To gnash Original Word: βρυχό Strong's Exhaustive Concordance gnash. A primary verb; to grate the teeth (in pain or rage) -- gnash. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition to bite, to gnash NASB Translation gnashing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1031: βρύχωβρύχω: (imperfect ἔβρυχον); to grind, gnash, with the teeth: ὀδόντας ἐπί τινα, Acts 7:54 (Job 16:9; Psalm 34:16 Topical Lexicon Context and Narrative Setting The single New Testament appearance of ἔβρυχον (Strong’s Greek 1031) occurs in Acts 7:54. Stephen has just declared Israel’s long-standing resistance to the Holy Spirit and has identified Jesus as the Righteous One betrayed and murdered by the council. Luke records: “On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him” (Acts 7:54). The verb paints a vivid picture of fury—an involuntary, animal-like response that exposes the heart’s hostility toward God’s truth. Old Testament Background and Intertestamental Usage In the Septuagint the same verb family describes wicked adversaries grinding their teeth at the righteous (for example, Job 16:9; Psalm 35:16; Lamentations 2:16). The image communicates both contempt and murderous intent. By carrying that background into Acts, Luke shows the Sanhedrin behaving like the persecutors of old, confirming Stephen’s accusation that they were repeating the sins of their fathers (Acts 7:51-52). Symbolism of ‘Gnashing’ in Biblical Thought 1. Rage against God’s messengers—The gnashing in Acts 7:54 is not momentary annoyance; it is calculated hatred flowing from hearts “cut to the heart” yet refusing repentance. Contrast Between Spirit-Filled Boldness and Carnal Rage Immediately after the council gnashes its teeth, Stephen—“full of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:55)—gazes into heaven and sees Jesus standing at God’s right hand. Luke crafts a deliberate juxtaposition: uncontrolled wrath versus steadfast, Spirit-empowered witness. This contrast highlights the moral gulf between those led by the Spirit and those governed by the flesh (Galatians 5:16-23). Historical and Redemptive Significance Acts 7 stands at a turning point in salvation history. Stephen’s death precipitates widespread persecution, scattering believers and accelerating the Gospel’s advance beyond Jerusalem (Acts 8:1,4). The council’s gnashing therefore becomes a catalyst for mission, illustrating how human rage cannot thwart God’s purposes (Psalm 2:1-4; Acts 4:25-28). Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Expect hostility—Faithful proclamation may provoke visceral opposition. Believers should not interpret such hostility as failure but as confirmation that the message pierces hearts (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). Eschatological Overtones Acts 7:54’s snapshot anticipates the final judgment scene in which unrepentant humanity will experience irreversible anguish symbolized by gnashing of teeth (Matthew 24:51). The passage thus serves as both historical record and prophetic warning: those who harden themselves now will encounter intensified agony later. Summary Strong’s Greek 1031 in Acts 7:54 embodies the Sanhedrin’s murderous rage against Stephen, echoing Old Testament imagery and foreshadowing eschatological judgment. The verse contrasts fleshly fury with Spirit-filled composure, demonstrates God’s ability to transform persecution into proclamation, and exhorts believers to courageous, compassionate witness in the face of hostility. Forms and Transliterations βρύξει έβρυξαν έβρυξεν εβρυχον έβρυχον ἔβρυχον ebruchon ebrychon ébrychonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |