The Greek verb ἀναστενάζω (anastenazō) means “to groan” or “to sigh deeply.” It is derived from the prefix ἀνά (ana), meaning “up” or “again,” and the root στενάζω (stenazō), meaning “to groan” or “to sigh.” The term generally refers to an expression of deep emotional or physical distress, often manifesting as groaning or sighing.

Detailed Overview

According to Strong’s Concordance, ἀναστενάζω (G389) is used in the New Testament to describe the act of groaning or sighing, typically in response to suffering or distress. For instance, in Mark 7:34, Jesus is described as “groaning” when healing a deaf man, indicating a profound emotional reaction to the man’s condition and the surrounding context of suffering.

The Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon provides further insight by noting that ἀναστενάζω conveys a sense of deep groaning or sighing, often due to intense emotion or physical discomfort. BDAG highlights its use in contexts where there is a significant expression of distress or suffering, reflecting a strong emotional or physical reaction.

The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon also supports this interpretation, describing ἀναστενάζω as referring to the act of groaning or sighing deeply. The lexicon emphasizes that the term is used to denote a significant emotional response, often associated with physical or existential pain.

In summary, ἀναστενάζω primarily means “to groan” or “to sigh deeply,” reflecting a profound emotional or physical reaction to distress. This meaning is consistently supported by Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, and LSJ, each providing context for its use in describing deep expressions of suffering or discomfort in both biblical and classical Greek literature.