[Greek] παροξύνω (paroxynō), [Latin] incitare, [Latin] irritare: to upset, to anger, to irritate, to distress; Acts 17:16, 1Cor.13:5
The Aeropagus is a prominent rock outcropping as seen from the Acropolis in Athens
Background information:
Aeropagus: This rocky outcrop, just northwest of the Acropolis, was the location of a court that tried cases of homicide, wounding, and religious matters. Areopagus, meaning “rocky hill of Ares”, gets its name as it is where Ares once stood trial. It is here where Paul gave his sermon to the Athenians. Paul was upset by the sight of the city full of idols. Paul was attempting to appeal to the religiosity of the Athenians. Paul makes note of an altar inscribed ‘To an Unknown God’. Paul points out that the Athenians unknowingly worship the Lord of heaven and earth.
Greek Hellenism: This term, originally meaning to sharpen, means to spur on, to stimulate, to provoke, to inspire, to inflame, to make eager, to hasten, and to exacerbate.
Isocrates’ To Phillip 5.3: “For they were spurning you on to war by seconding your covetousness.”
Polybius’ Histories 31.1: “The Rhodians saw that the Romans’ anger was not abating and sent Aristotle at the head of an embassy in Rome.”
Lysias’ On a Wound by Premonition 4.8: “With his passion inflamed by the woman, one is forced to defend oneself.”
Xenophon’s Memorabilia 3.5.3 states “Athenians are more ambitious and more high minded. These qualities are among the strongest incentives to heroism and patriotic self-service.”
Old Testament: This term, used extensively, means to anger, to approach, to taunt, to scorn, to drive away, to grieve, to be jealous, and to be contentious. Some of the more nuanced meanings include making sharp, making severe, and making a scratch. Sharpness can refer to iron, tools, and tongue (“cutting words”). Scratching (making a mark) can refer to marking foreheads and scratching doors (madness).
New Testament: This term means to upset, to anger, to irritate, and to distress. While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he grew exasperated at the sight of the city full of idols. Athens set the stage for the conflict between Christian preaching and Hellenistic philosophy. Paul was appealing to the religiosity of the Athenians. Paul explains that love is patient, kind, not jealous, generous, and not quick tempered. Paul personifies what love is and what love is not.
Scripture:
“While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he grew exasperated at the sight of the city full of idols.” Acts 17:16
In his attempt to describe God, Paul encounters many gods in Athens.
“Love is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick tempered, it does not brood over injury.” 1Cor.13:5
Etymology: A paroxysm is a sudden attack, convulsion, and periodic worsening of a disease. The Latin verb aggravare means to burden down and to make heavy. The related Latin verb gravare means to weigh down. The French verb entrainer means to pull and to drag. The French verb pousser means to push and to drive. The Latin verb incitare means to urge on and to impose.
Conclusion:
Paroxysm, irritate, irritation, incite, enact, act, action, push, excite, irritate, aggravate, aggravation
In Greek Hellenism, it was interesting to discover that this term can be used in both positive and negative ways. Positive examples included inspiring, incentivizing, encouraging, and enabling. Xenophon extolled the virtues of the Athenians. Medical conditions can be exacerbated (made worse).
The Athenians’ religiosity indicated to Paul the Athenians’ unknowing desire to find God’s divinity. Paul clearly points to the selfless nature of true love.
Update:
Many of us seemingly exasperated or even unaware that many of us have become like “little pagans” worshipping various gods and idols in this post-Christian secular world.
These idols could include fame, power, wealth, email, texting, technology, and career, etc.
There are so many of us who frequently bow down in “worshipping” our technological devices. As a result, many are suffering from “tech neck”, neck strain resulting from looking down at our smartphones.
Church attendance is declining as we our focusing on our attention on other gods and idols.
We have as a society have become so provocative as to declare our own liberties, rights, and powers. :redefining marriage, sex and gender, individual rights above all else (abortion), the right to be offended, the right to use violence for social justice reasons, the right to redefine history, etc.
President Biden missing documents scandal has become worsened with the discovery of more documents in several locations.
President Biden’s credibility has worsened because he has not taken responsibility for these actions. (“I have no regrets”.)
Critics and supporters alike have criticized President Biden because of this documents scandal.