Greek word · G5172

τρυφή

tryphē

self-indulgence

τρυφή means softness, luxury, self-indulgence, pampered living and dainty fare. It can also mean delight in a neutral sense; the Greek OT uses it for the "delight" of Eden (Gen 3:23–24 LXX, "paradise of delight"). ἐντρυφάω means to revel in, luxuriate in, or take delight in.

Appears 2 times in 2 verses of the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

τρυφή, -ῆς, ἡ

[in LXX chiefly for עָדַן ;]

softness, daintiness, luxuriousness: Luke 7:25, 2 Peter 2:13.†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of 2 Peter 2:13

Range of meaning

τρυφή means softness, luxury, self-indulgence, pampered living and dainty fare. It can also mean delight in a neutral sense; the Greek OT uses it for the "delight" of Eden (Gen 3:23–24 LXX, "paradise of delight"). ἐντρυφάω means to revel in, luxuriate in, or take delight in.

Against the English

KJV "riot" means riotous living. ESV/NIV "revel" and BSB "carouse" catch the party sense. YLT "luxury… luxuriating" keeps the repeated root.

How it drifted

KJV "riot" (= dissipation, wild revelry) now suggests a violent street disturbance.

Used elsewhere in the period

In Luke 7:25 the word describes those who live ἐν τρυφῇ in royal palaces. James 5:5 uses the related verb ἐτρυφήσατε for the self-indulgent rich. Greek moralists used τρυφή as a standard vice word for decadent, effeminate softness, typical of tyrants and the idle rich.

From the study of Luke 7:25

Range of meaning

"Luxury, delicate or soft living, indulgence, delight". It can be neutral or positive (delight, abundance) or negative (self-indulgent extravagance), depending on context.

Against the English

KJV and WEB say "live delicately". ESV, NASB and BSB say "live in luxury", and NIV "indulge in luxury". The modern renderings are clearer.

How it drifted

In 1611 "delicately" meant luxuriously or pleasurably. Today "delicate" mostly means fragile or gentle, so the KJV and WEB phrase can sound like careful or sheltered living rather than lavish living.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Septuagint, Genesis 3:23–24 calls Eden "the paradise of tryphē" (garden of delight), a positive sense. Wisdom literature (e.g. Sirach) warns against excessive tryphē. The only other New Testament use is 2 Peter 2:13, which is negative. In Hellenistic kingship, especially among the Ptolemies of Egypt, tryphē was openly displayed as a royal virtue that advertised the king's prosperity. Greek and Roman moralists attacked it.

Where it appears

Luke · 1

  1. Luke 7:25 τρυφῇ in luxury

    Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces.

    Here: "Luxury, soft living". A life of comfort, abundance and pleasure. Moralists of the day criticized it, and Hellenistic royal courts showed it off as a sign of their wealth and power.

2 Peter · 1

  1. 2 Peter 2:13 τρυφήν, carousal,

    The harm they will suffer is the wages of their wickedness. They consider it a pleasure to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deception as they feast with you.

    Here: Luxurious, pampered indulgence, especially in food, drink and comfort. With "in the day" it means feasting and carousing while honest people are at work.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.