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    Tribulation

    θλῖψις (thlipsis)

    Intense pressure, affliction, and distress — the suffering believers endure in a fallen world.

    Greek
    Strong's G2347
    Pronunciation: THLIP-sis
    Quick Answer

    Thlipsis is the Greek word for tribulation, literally meaning 'pressing' or 'crushing.' It describes the intense pressure, persecution, and suffering that believers experience in this world, with the promise of ultimate deliverance.

    "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." — John 16:33 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    John 16:33

    “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
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    Romans 5:3

    “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.”
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    Revelation 7:14

    “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G2347 — Tribulation (θλῖψις (thlipsis))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where θλῖψις (thlipsis) appears.

    Open Strong's G2347

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Thlipsis comes from the verb thlibō, meaning 'to press,' 'to squeeze,' or 'to crush.' It evokes the image of grapes being pressed in a winepress or olives being crushed for oil. The picture is vivid: tribulation is life's crushing pressures that squeeze and compress from every side, testing what is inside a person.

    Jesus' Promise of Tribulation

    Jesus did not promise His followers an easy life. 'In the world ye shall have tribulation' (John 16:33) — this is stated as certainty, not possibility. But He immediately added: 'Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.' The Christian life includes suffering, but it is suffering within the context of a victory already won.

    The Purpose of Tribulation

    Paul teaches that tribulation produces patience, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-5). James says trials produce steadfastness and maturity (James 1:2-4). Peter compares suffering to a refining fire that proves the genuineness of faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). Tribulation is not meaningless — it is God's workshop for shaping Christlike character.

    The Great Tribulation

    Revelation speaks of a 'great tribulation' (Revelation 7:14) — an intensified period of suffering before Christ's return. Christians disagree about the timing and nature of this period, but all agree that God's people will ultimately emerge victorious, their robes washed white in the blood of the Lamb. Tribulation has an expiration date; glory does not.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does tribulation mean in the Bible?

    Tribulation (thlipsis) means intense pressure, affliction, and crushing distress. It describes the suffering believers experience in a fallen world, with the promise that Christ has overcome (John 16:33).

    What is the Great Tribulation?

    The Great Tribulation (Revelation 7:14) refers to an intensified period of suffering before Christ's return. Christians hold different views about its timing and nature, but all affirm God's ultimate deliverance of His people.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Tribulation"?

    John 16:33 — "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (KJV). It also appears in Romans 5:3, Revelation 7:14.

    Why does the Greek word behind "Tribulation" matter?

    Thlipsis comes from the verb thlibō, meaning 'to press,' 'to squeeze,' or 'to crush.' It evokes the image of grapes being pressed in a winepress or olives being crushed for oil. English uses one word, "Tribulation", where the Greek θλῖψις (thlipsis) carries the fuller sense: intense pressure, affliction, and distress — the suffering believers endure in a fallen world.

    Related Words

    Perseverance
    Hope
    Rapture
    Eschatology

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    Word Meaning

    Tribulation (θλῖψις (thlipsis))

    Intense pressure, affliction, and distress — the suffering believers endure in a fallen world.

    Strong's

    Strong's G2347 — Tribulation

    θλῖψις (thlipsis) • Intense pressure, affliction, and distress — the suffering believers endure in a fallen world.

    Q&A

    What Is the Great Tribulation?

    End Times

    Q&A

    What Is the Great Tribulation?

    End Times

    Commentary

    John 14:12 Commentary

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    Devotional

    John 16:33 — Meaning & Devotional

    Overcoming

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    Perseverance

    Where to go next

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