Brief Overview of ἀγωνία (G74: agōnia)

ἀγωνία (agōnia):
The Greek noun “ἀγωνία” (G74) generally refers to “anguish” or “distress.” It describes a state of intense mental or emotional suffering, often associated with extreme anxiety or struggle.

Detailed Overview Incorporating Other Concordances

ἀγωνία (agōnia):

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• Meaning: According to Strong’s Concordance (G74), “ἀγωνία” is translated as “anguish” or “distress.” The term is used to describe a severe state of mental or emotional suffering. Strong’s Concordance highlights its connotation of intense struggle or distress, often reflecting the depth of emotional or psychological pain.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Meaning: Thayer’s Lexicon defines “ἀγωνία” as “anguish,” “distress,” or “extreme anxiety.” Thayer’s emphasizes its use in the New Testament to convey a profound state of emotional turmoil. The term is associated with the emotional or mental suffering experienced in moments of deep distress or intense struggle, indicating the severity of the anguish involved.

1. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words:

• Meaning: Vine’s Dictionary describes “ἀγωνία” as meaning “anguish” or “distress.” Vine’s notes that the term is used to reflect the depth of emotional suffering, often experienced during periods of intense personal or spiritual struggle. The dictionary highlights its application in contexts where profound distress or anxiety is evident.

1. Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon:

• Meaning: The BDAG Lexicon provides a detailed definition of “ἀγωνία” as “anguish,” “distress,” or “mental suffering.” BDAG emphasizes its usage in describing severe emotional or psychological distress. The lexicon includes references to instances where the term conveys a heightened state of emotional or mental suffering, often in relation to intense personal or spiritual struggles.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

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• Meaning: The LSJ Lexicon defines “ἀγωνία” as “anguish” or “distress.” It describes the term’s classical use in reflecting intense mental or emotional suffering. LSJ provides examples of how “ἀγωνία” conveys the depth of distress experienced, particularly in moments of great personal or existential struggle.

Summary:
The Greek noun “ἀγωνία” (agōnia) primarily means “anguish” or “distress,” describing a state of severe mental or emotional suffering. According to Strong’s Concordance, it signifies intense anxiety or struggle. Thayer’s Lexicon expands on this by emphasizing the term’s use to reflect deep emotional turmoil and severe distress. Vine’s Dictionary highlights its application in contexts of profound personal or spiritual struggle. The BDAG Lexicon provides a detailed analysis, focusing on the heightened emotional or psychological suffering associated with the term. The LSJ Lexicon offers a classical perspective, showing how “ἀγωνία” conveys intense mental or emotional suffering. Overall, “ἀγωνία” encompasses the ideas of profound anguish and distress, indicating the severity of emotional or psychological pain experienced in moments of intense struggle.