It is spelled “thumos,” the Galatians 5:21 noun for “wrath.” However, another Greek word is also used in the New Testament for “wrath,” that being “orge.”
So one tends to ask, “Why ‘thumos’ here?”
There is a difference between the two words, according to the wordsmiths. “Thumos” is a sudden burst of anger! A “fit of rage.” An “ill temper.” A “fit” of passion. Whereas “orge” is rage that is of longer duration, much longer usually!
“Thumos” comes and goes.
“Orge” often melds into revenge and holding grudges.
So today at least, se concentrate on “thumos.” Since it is the specific word translated “wrath” in Galatians 5:21, in that “works of the flesh” list we’ve been studying.
I find “thumos” 18 times in the New Testament!
Its first use is in Luke 4:28 where the congregation was “filled with wrath (thumos)” when Jesus preached his first recorded Sermon! They didn’t like what He said!
It second use in located in Acts 19:28 when a crowd of Ephesians also were “filled with wrath (thumos)” at the preaching of Paul the Apostle!
In Romans 2:8 we are taught that an unsaved man, a lost man, one still operating under the sole command of his flesh … “will not obey the truth, but (will obey) obey unrighteousness, indignation (thumos) and wrath.”
To us Christians, the Holy Spirit issues this command: “Let all bitterness, and wrath (thumos), and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
Wow!
In summary, “thumos” is not long-held anger. It is rather a “blaze of temper,” that which flares into bitter words (and maybe even deeds) and soon dies, subsides, goes away!
However it is defined, “thumos” is a trait genuine Believers in Jesus will not (long) possess. It will be uprooted from our lives via the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit of God … provided we yield to Him and allow the Fruit of His Being to develop within our hearts.
Amen, so be it, Lord!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell