Greek word · Strong's G2347

θλῖψις

thlîpsis · noun · “tribulation, affliction”

In a sentence

Thlipsis means tribulation, pressure, or affliction — the hardships of Christian life, and especially the trials of the last days through which God’s people endure.

Thlipsis pictures pressure — a crushing weight. Paul uses it for the trials of Christian life: “We are afflicted (thlibomenoi) in every way, but not crushed.”

Jesus warned that in the world we would have thlipsis but should take heart; he has overcome the world. The New Testament’s answer to tribulation is not denial but his presence and his coming kingdom.

Strong's reference

Definition: pressure (literally or figuratively)

KJV usage: afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

John 16:33 “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”” Romans 5:3 “Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;” 2 Corinthians 4:17 “For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.