παροργίζω

From the study of Ephesians 6:4

Range of meaning

To make angry, provoke to anger, embitter, rouse to resentment (BDAG). The prefix para- adds the idea of pushing someone beyond the point where they can hold back. The related noun parorgismos is the kind of anger that has been stirred up and kept smouldering.

Against the English

KJV/BSB/WEB "provoke … to wrath" and ESV/NASB "provoke … to anger" are accurate. NIV "exasperate" moves the sense toward frustration and being worn down, which fits the parallel in Colossians but softens the anger itself. YLT's bare "provoke" leaves out the anger that the Greek verb contains.

How it drifted

Modern "provoke" can just mean "trigger a reaction," so the Greek's focus on the child's anger can blur. The KJV-style "to wrath" keeps it.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) this is the standard verb for Israel provoking God to anger by idolatry and unfaithfulness (e.g. Deut 4:25; 9:18; 32:21, quoted in Rom 10:19). In Ephesians the noun appears at 4:26: "do not let the sun go down on your anger (parorgismos)." The parallel Col 3:21 uses a different verb, erethizō ("irritate, needle"), and gives the result: "so that they do not lose heart."

From the study of Romans 10:19

Range of meaning

"To make angry, provoke to anger, exasperate" (BDAG). Built on ὀργή, "anger."

Against the English

"Anger" (KJV, YLT, NASB), "make angry" (BSB, WEB, ESV, NIV). The English is accurate. What English cannot show is the echo: in the LXX this verb is the standard term for Israel provoking God with idols.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the LXX it most often translates Hebrew ka'as, "to vex," usually with Israel as the subject provoking God (Deut 4:25; 9:18; 31:29; 32:16, 21; very frequent in Kings and Jeremiah). In the New Testament it appears only here and in Eph 6:4 ("do not provoke your children to anger").