Provoke is used to convey the idea of stirring up, or inciting in a sharp irritation or intense emotional reaction.
When Paul was left alone in Athens, he observed the city's idolatry—even a temple dedicated to the UNKNOWN GOD—and was provoked in his spirit (Acts 17:16). This stirring up of his rational faculties negatively affected him when he attempted to persuade the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers using the wisdom of men concerning the resurrection of Christ.
In 1 Corinthians 13:5, we are informed that love is not provoked, behave unbecomingly, seek its own, or impute wrong to others. It does not rejoice in unrighteousness; rather, it rejoices in the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes in all things, and endures all things, because love does not fall (1 Corinthians 13:6–8). We do not seek the best for others by irritating or provoking them.
The term provoke (παροξύνω) is derived from the root ὀξύς, meaning “sharp,” and παρά, meaning “beside” or “alongside,” giving the sense of irritation—a sharpness that comes alongside.
This type of sharpness is also used to describe the eagerness of unrighteous men to shed blood (Romans 3:15), as well as the sword and sickle, which symbolize the destruction of Christ’s enemies by His hands at His second coming (Revelation 19:15), and the reaping of souls (Revelation 14:18).
Provoke is never used in a positive sense in Scripture. It conveys the idea of inciting, stirring up, or irritating—whether emotionally or mentally.