Brief Overview of λυπέω (Strong’s G3076: lypeō)

Unveiling the Word

In the study of biblical Greek, understanding the emotional and contextual depth behind certain words can greatly enhance our interpretation of scripture. The Greek word λυπέω (lypeō), which first appears in Matthew 14:9, carries a significant emotional weight, as it means “to grieve” or “to cause sorrow.” Its relevance in the New Testament extends to key moments of sadness, remorse, or disappointment, reflecting both human emotions and theological concepts of repentance. Additionally, in ancient Greek culture, this term was associated with various forms of distress and emotional turmoil, making it a profound word for understanding both personal and spiritual pain.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: λυπέω (lypeō) [loo-PEH-oh].
Etymology: Derived from the noun λύπη (lypē), meaning “grief” or “sorrow,” λυπέω as a verb encompasses the action of causing or feeling sorrow. The root word conveys a sense of emotional weight, whether from loss, disappointment, or other forms of emotional pain.
Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, λυπέω describes the act of grieving or causing grief, often used in contexts where emotional distress or regret is prominent.
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Defining Meanings

1. To Grieve: This is the primary meaning of λυπέω, indicating a deep sense of emotional pain or sorrow. In Matthew 14:9, it describes Herod’s reaction to the request to behead John the Baptist.
2. To Cause Sorrow: The verb can also mean to inflict sorrow or grief on someone else. It is often used in contexts where an individual’s actions or words bring emotional pain to another.
3. To Feel Distress: In some instances, λυπέω is used to express a general state of being distressed or troubled, beyond just personal grief.

Exploring Similar Words

1. πενθέω (pentheō) [pen-THEH-oh]: Meaning “to mourn” or “to lament,” this word shares a similar emotional context with λυπέω but focuses more on outward mourning, often in response to death or significant loss.
2. στενάζω (stenazō) [steh-NAH-zoh]: This word means “to groan” or “to sigh,” indicating a more physical expression of sorrow or frustration, often accompanied by heavy emotions. It’s a more visceral word compared to λυπέω, which can involve both internal and external expressions of grief.
3. ἀθυμέω (athymeō) [ah-thoo-MEH-oh]: This word means “to be disheartened” or “to lose courage.” It conveys a similar emotional distress but is focused more on a loss of hope or morale rather than deep sorrow.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, λυπέω follows regular conjugation patterns, with its forms changing depending on the tense, voice, and mood in the sentence.

Tense, Voice, Mood:

• Tense: In Matthew 14:9, λυπέω appears in the aorist passive form, ἐλυπήθη (elypēthē), indicating a momentary action of being grieved.
• Voice: Passive, meaning Herod was grieved by an external situation, rather than causing grief himself.
• Mood: Indicative, stating a fact of the emotional state.

Person and Number:

• Third person singular, referring to Herod’s grief in response to the situation.

Aspect: The aorist tense emphasizes a single, completed action of being grieved in this specific instance, without focusing on the ongoing nature of the grief.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The verb λυπέω is commonly used throughout both the New Testament and classical Greek literature to express sorrow and grief. In the New Testament, it is often used to describe the emotional state of individuals in response to loss, disappointment, or regret. In Matthew 14:9, Herod’s grief over ordering John the Baptist’s execution is a classic example of λυπέω reflecting personal conflict and sorrow over a moral dilemma.

In classical contexts, λυπέω was used to describe a broad range of emotional pain, from personal loss to distress caused by external circumstances. It highlights the universality of grief and sorrow in human experience, whether in the context of familial loss, societal upheaval, or personal regret.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 14:9: “The king was grieved (ἐλυπήθη), but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered it to be given.”
2. Matthew 26:37: “And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved (λυπεῖσθαι) and distressed.”
3. Ephesians 4:30: “Do not grieve (λυπεῖτε) the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb λυπέω (lypeō) captures the emotional depth of grief and sorrow, making it a key term in understanding moments of emotional distress in both biblical and classical texts. In the New Testament, it reflects the personal and spiritual consequences of grief, as seen in the sorrow of Herod and the disciples. The word is also significant in expressing how humans can cause grief to God, as noted in Ephesians 4:30. Understanding λυπέω enriches our understanding of how emotional and spiritual pain is portrayed in scripture, providing deeper insight into the human condition.

Did You Know?

1. The word λυπέω is used to describe both human grief and divine sorrow, making it one of the few words that bridges the emotional experiences of both God and man in scripture.
2. In classical Greek plays, λυπέω was often used to describe the grief of characters in tragic situations, highlighting the universality of sorrow in literature.
3. In Ephesians 4:30, Paul uses λυπέω to warn believers against grieving the Holy Spirit, indicating that even God can experience sorrow over human actions.