Tribulation

thlipsis (G2347) Tribulation

stenochoria (G4730) Affliction, Anguish, Distress, Burden

Thlipsis and stenochoria are often used together. In three of the four passages where stenochoria occurs in the New Testament, it is associated with thlipsis.The verbs thlibein (G2346) and stenochorein also are used together. Because stenochoria always occurs last whenever it is used with thlipsis, and because of the antithesis between these words in 2Co_4:8, stenochoria appears to be the stronger of the two words, whatever their difference in meaning.

Thlipsis and stenochoria refer to the same thing under different images. Thlipsis properly means "pressure."1 could have said angor (anguish), since Cicero referred to this as "pressing grief," except that the connection of angor with the German Angst (anguish) and enge (narrow or confined) makes it more appropriate to reserve this word for stenochoria.

The proper meaning of stenochoria is "narrowness of room," "confined space," and the painfulness that is the result. "Narrow straits" (aporia stene) and stenochoria appear together in Isa_8:22. Thucydides used stenochoria literally (7.70). Sometimes stenochoria is used in place of dyschoria. Plutarch contrasted stenochoria with anesis (G425). In the Septuagint stenochoria refers to the straitness of a siege (Deu_28:53; Deu_28:57). It appears in a secondary and metaphorical sense once in the Old Testament"anguish [stenochoria] of spirit" (Wisd. of Son_5:3) which is its only sense in the New Testament. The appropriateness of this image is attested by the frequency with which a state of joy is referred to in the psalms (and elsewhere) as a bringing into a large room. Whether Aquinas intended to provide an etymology (he probably did), he certainly uttered a truth when he said: "Joyfulness is like width."

The literal meaning of thlipsis is illustrated by the penalty prescribed by ancient English law for those who refused to plead: they were pressed and crushed to death by heavy weights that were placed on their chests. It was stenochoria when Tamerlane, who had vanquished Bajazet, carried him about in an iron cage. Since we do not know if Bajazet suffered because of his narrow confines, perhaps it would be better to refer to the oubliettes, in which Louis XI shut up his victims, or to the "little-ease" that was used to torture the Roman Catholics in Queen Elizabeth's reign: "It was of so small dimensions and so constructed that the prisoners could neither stand, walk, sit, nor lie in it at full length." In Rom_2:9 Paul said that both thlipsis and stenochoria would be the portion of the lost.

Besides the application of this term to any time of distress, and its special reference to this dispensation, respecting which it is said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation," Joh 16:33 - the Lord spoke of a distinct period of distress, such as never had been, or should be again. Mat 24:21-29. These verses refer to a great tribulation that shall fall upon the Jews in a future day: cf. Jer 30:7 and Dan 12:1. In Rev 7:14 a great multitude is referred to that have come out of the great tribulation, but these are from the nations, hence this tribulation is not the same as that which will fall specially on the Jews, though both may take place at the same time. In Rev 2:22 a ’great tribulation’ is spoken of, but it is doubtless general, and not the same as the above.

A condition of affliction and distress

There Being Tribulation In The World

Joh_16:31-33.

Those Which Came Out Of Great Tribulation

Rev_7:9-17.

What Tribulation Does

Rom_5:3-4.

When There Will Be Great Tribulation

Mat_24:1-22; Mar_13:1-20.

Who Will Have Tribulation

Rom_2:9; Rev_2:18-22.

TRIBULATION.—The Gr. word θλίψις (which means literally ‘a pressing,’ ‘a pressing together,’ ‘pressure’) is translated in the Authorized Version by the words ‘tribulation,’ ‘affliction,’ and ‘anguish.’ In every instance of its occurrence save one, viz. Joh 16:21, where the Authorized Version translation ‘anguish’ is retained, the Revised Version NT 1881, OT 1885 uniformly employs the term ‘tribulation.’ The verb θλίβω occurs twice in the Gospels: in Mar 3:9, where it describes the action of the crowd in ‘thronging’ Jesus; and Mat 7:14, where it represents ‘the ways that leadeth unto life’ as being ‘straitened’ (τεθλιυμένη). In his Study of Words, Trench gives a very interesting account of the history of the English word ‘tribulation.’ Derived from Lat. tribulum, the threshing instrument or harrow by means of which the corn was separated from the husks, tribulatio, the term applied to the process of separation, came to be used for the disciplinary ordeal of distress and adversity. The following grouping of passages indicates the various usages of the word in the Gospels:

1. In the Apocalyptic discourse ‘tribulation’ is declared to be in store for the Jewish nation (Mat 24:29, cf. Mar 13:19). The necessity of this tribulation is emphasized (Mat 24:6, Mar 13:7, Luk 21:9), and the circumstances attending it are described in terrible and pathetic detail.

2. ‘Tribulation’ is announced by Jesus as the outward lot that awaits His disciples (a) In the confusion and conflict that would sweep the nation on to the final catastrophe, the disciples were to be involved (Mat 24:9). They would draw this relentless hostility on themselves in consequence of their testimony and activity as disciples. It behoved them to endure (ὑπομένειν, Mat 24:13) and prove themselves ‘brethren and partakers in the tribulation, and kingdom, and patience (ὑπομονή) which are in Jesus’ (Rev 1:9 Revised Version NT 1881, OT 1885 , cf. Rom 5:3). (b) Similarly, but without reference to any particular ordeal, the disciples are warned about the treatment they must expect to meet with ‘in the world’ (Joh 16:2; Joh 16:33). On account of their relation to Jesus, they would be subjected to this treatment. But their attitude ought to be one of ‘good cheer’ (θαρσεῖτε). ‘The way that leadeth unto life’ was, therefore, in the case of the disciples to prove ‘straitened’ (τεθλιμμένη).

3. ‘Tribulation’ and persecution (διωγμός) ‘because of the word’ are mentioned in the parable of the Sower as the conditions which cause those ‘to stumble straightway’ that ‘hear the word, and straightway with joy receive it, and have no root in themselves’ (Mat 13:21, Mar 4:17). A mind only emotionally interested in the ‘word,’ that is to say, as distinct from one intellectually and morally interested (Mat 13:23, Mar 4:20), is incapable of withstanding the emotional shock occasioned by tribulation and persecution. With his feelings sustained and refreshed by no continuous and immediate experience in relation to the ‘word,’ such a person cannot resist the assault upon them of actual harassing events. See also Sorrow, Suffering.

Literature.—Trench, Study of Words; Bushnell, The New Life; Maclaren, The Unchanging Christ; W. Archer Butler, Serm. 2nd ser. (1866) 78; T. Arnold, Christian Life (1878), 217; Moulton-Geden, Gr. Concordance; Grimm-Thayer, Gr. Lex. s.vv. and Comm. on passages.

A. B. Macaulay.

trib-ū́-lā´shun (צר, car, צר, cār, “staid,” “narrow,” “pent up”; compare Num 22:26):

1. In the Old Testament:

Closely pressed, as of seals (Job 41:15 (7)); of streams pent up (Isa 59:9 margin); of strength limited (Pro 24:10, “small”). Hence, figuratively, of straitened circumstances; variously rendered “affliction,” “tribulation,” “distress” (Deu 4:30; Job 15:24; Job 30:12; Psa 4:2; Psa 18:7; Psa 32:7; Psa 44:11, etc.; Psa 78:42; Psa 102:3; Psa 106:44; Psa 119:143; Isa 26:16; Isa 30:20; Hos 5:15; Eze 30:16). Frequently, the feminine form (צרה, cārāh) is similarly rendered “tribulation” (Jdg 10:14 the King James Version; 1Sa 10:19 the King James Version; 1Sa 26:24); in other places “distress,” “affliction” (Gen 42:21; Psa 120:1; Pro 11:8; 2Ch 20:9; Isa 63:9; Jer 15:11; Jon 2:2; Nah 1:9; Zec 10:11).

2. In the New Testament:

The Greek is θλίψις, thlı́psis, a “pressing together” (as of grapes), squeezing or pinching (from verb θλίβω, thlı́bō); used figuratively for “distress,” “tribulation”; Septuagint for car and cārāh; Vulgate (Jerome’s Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) tribulatio pressura (from tribulum, “a threshing sledge”). The verb form is rendered “suffer tribulation” (1Th 3:4 the King James Version, “suffer affliction” the Revised Version (British and American)); “trouble” (2Th 1:6 the King James Version, “afflict” the Revised Version (British and American); compare 2Co 1:6; 2Co 4:8; 2Co 7:5; 1Ti 5:10; Heb 11:37). The noun form is rendered in the King James Version variously as “tribulation,” “affliction,” “persecution,” though more uniformly “tribulation” in the Revised Version (British and American). The word is used generally of the hardships which Christ’s followers would suffer (Mat 13:21; Mat 24:9, Mat 24:21, Mat 24:29; Mar 4:17; Mar 13:19, Mar 13:24; Joh 16:33; 1Co 7:28); or which they are now passing through (Rom 5:3; Rom 12:12; 2Co 4:17; Php 4:14); or through which they have already come (Act 11:19; 2Co 2:4; Rev 7:14).

‘Tribulation’ is used to translate èëῖøéò, but not quite so frequently as ‘affliction,’ in both Authorized Version and Revised Version . We have ‘tribulation’ in Act_11:19 and 1Co_7:28 (Revised Version ; Authorized Version ‘persecution,’ ‘trouble’). In 2Co_1:4; 2Co_7:4, where Authorized Version has ‘tribulation’ Revised Version has ‘affliction.’ In 2Co_1:4; 2Co_1:8, where Authorized Version has ‘trouble’ Revised Version has ‘affliction.’ èëßâù is translation ‘afflict’ in Revised Version in every passage in which it occurs except 2Co_4:8 (‘press’) and 1Th_3:4 (pass. ‘suffer affliction’). The latter passage in Authorized Version is translation ‘suffer tribulation.’ In half of the passages, however, this Gr. verb is rendered ‘trouble’ in Authorized Version . The Vulg. [Note: Vulgate.] has tribulatio for èëῖøéò very frequently. In 4 Ezr. ‘tribulation’ is the rendering of tribulatio in 15:19, 16:19 (Authorized Version and Revised Version ) and in 16:67, 74 (Revised Version ; Authorized Version ‘trouble’), and of pressura in 2:27 (Revised Version ). In Ass. Mos. iii. 7 we find the transliteration thlibsis (cod. clibsis).

Tribulation may affect either body or mind or both. Those who marry heedless of ‘the present distress’ ‘shall have tribulation in the flesh’ (1Co_7:28 Revised Version ). St. Paul writes to the Corinthians ‘out of much tribulation and anguish of heart’ (2Co_2:4). Part of his tribulation in Macedonia consists of fears within, while his flesh had no relief (2Co_7:4 f.). To him anxiety about the faithfulness of his converts and the progress of the gospel is a source of tribulation (1Th_3:7, Php_1:17).

Tribulation may be produced by various causes. The famine caused the inhabitants of Egypt and Canaan great tribulation (Act_7:11). The captured Joseph suffered tribulation in Egypt (Act_7:10). Part at least of the tribulation of the Corinthians was poverty (2Co_8:13). By ministering to St. Paul’s need the Philippians had fellowship with his tribulation (Php_4:14). The lot of the fatherless and widows is tribulation (Jam_1:27). Such tribulation may be relieved (1Ti_5:10). Sometimes tribulation is the punishment of sin. To those who trouble the Thessalonian Christians God will recompense tribulation (2Th_1:6). There shall be ‘tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth evil’ (Rom_2:9). God will cast the woman Jezebel out of the Church of Thyatira and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation (Rev_2:22). But it is the Christians who are specially subject to tribulation, and their tribulation consists largely of persecution and of the opposition which their religion meets in an unfriendly world. ‘The tribulation which arose about Stephen’ (Act_11:19 Revised Version ) was of course ‘persecution’ (Authorized Version ). St. Paul speaks of all the ‘persecutions and tribulations’ which the Thessalonians endure (2Th_1:4). He says they received the word ‘with much tribulation,’ and entreats them not to ‘be moved by these tribulations’ (1Th_1:6; 1Th_3:3). In 2Co_8:2 we are told that the churches of Macedonia experienced much tribulation. St. Paul exhorts other converts to be ‘patient in tribulation,’ and to bless them that persecute them (Rom_12:12; Rom_12:14). In his work of evangelization the Apostle met with much tribulation. He told the elders of Ephesus that ‘bonds and tribulations’ awaited him (Act_20:23). He gloried in tribulations (Rom_5:3), feeling that neither tribulation nor anguish nor persecution could separate him from the love of Christ (Rom_8:35). There is little doubt that he is referring to the difficulties and the dangers which he met with in his proclamation of the gospel. Tribulations are mentioned in the list he gives of his trials in 2Co_6:4 f. Bad news about certain Corinthians gives him tribulation (2Co_1:8; 2Co_2:4; 2Co_4:8). Tribulation, then, to the early Christians meant not so much ill-health, or poverty, or loss of friends, as the sacrifices they had to make and the perils they had to meet on account of their proclamation or profession of Christianity. In Hebrews the writer says that after his readers were converted, they ‘endured a great conflict of sufferings; partly, being made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, becoming partakers with them that were so used’ (Heb_10:33; cf. Heb_11:37). Tribulation is the appointed destiny of Christians. St. Paul reminds the Thessalonians that both he and they were appointed unto tribulations, and that he had told them before that they were to suffer tribulation (1Th_3:3 f.). John is partaker ‘in the tribulation and kingdom and patience which are in Jesus’ (Rev_1:9); and he tells the church of Smyrna that they shall suffer tribulation ten days (Rev_2:10). ‘Through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God’ (Act_14:22).

Tribulation thus leading to the Kingdom, joy in tribulation is a phenomenon that can be understood. In much proof of affliction the churches of Macedonia had abundance of joy (2Co_8:2). The Thessalonians received the word with much tribulation, with joy of the Holy Ghost (1Th_1:6). In the case of the Christian, tribulation results in increased energy and blessedness of the spiritual life. ‘Our light tribulation, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory’ (2Co_4:17). ‘Tribulation worketh patience’ (Rom_5:3; cf. Rev_1:9). God comforts the faithful in tribulation (2Co_1:4; 2Co_7:6), and the comfort thus given enables them to comfort others (2Co_1:4). His judgment will put an end to their tribulation, and they will be rewarded with rest (2Th_1:5 ff.; cf. Rev_2:10).

It was a common eschatological idea that before the Judgment could come evils of all kinds would greatly increase. This idea is found, e.g., in the Apocalyptic Discourse, and the coming of great tribulation is predicted (Mar_13:19; cf. Zep_1:15, Dan_12:1). ‘The inhabitants of the earth … shall fall into many tribulations.… And it will come to pass when they will say in their thoughts by reason of their much tribulation: “The Mighty One doth no longer remember the earth”-yea, it will come to pass when they abandon hope, that the time will then awake’ (Apoc. Bar. xxv. 3, 4). The faithful martyrs who have come out of the great tribulation will receive the highest place of honour in heaven (Rev_7:14). To the wicked the Judgment is ‘the day of tribulation’ (4 Ezr_2:27 Revised Version ; cf. 1 En. i. 1, xcvi. 2), when they shall be recompensed for the tribulation which they have inflicted on the righteous (2Th_1:6 f.).

Literature.-J. Weiss, Die Schriften des NT, Göttingen, 1907, s.v. ‘Trübsal’ in Index; P. Volz, Jüdische Eschatologie, Tübingen, 1903, § 31; Dict. of Christ and the Gospels , s.v.; John Foster, Lectures, London, 1853, lect. xli.

William Watson.

A time of intense difficulty.

A description of the time just prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ when the world will go through unprecendented turmoil (see Matthew 24:6-13).

—New Believer’s Bible Glossary