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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words helps to unlock the deeper meanings within the Scriptures. The Greek word ὀδυνάω (odynaō), meaning “to cause pain” or “to be distressed,” appears in the New Testament in both literal and emotional contexts. A significant occurrence of this word is found in Luke 2:48, where Mary, the mother of Jesus, expresses her deep emotional pain upon finding her son in the temple after being missing for three days. This word sheds light on the intense distress experienced by Mary, making it relevant not only for interpreting this passage but also for understanding the depth of human suffering expressed throughout Scripture and ancient Greek culture.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὀδυνάω (odynaō), pronounced o-dü-nah’-o.

Etymology: The word comes from the root ὀδύνη (odynē), which means “pain” or “grief.” This root is connected with terms related to suffering, whether physical or emotional. It conveys a broad range of pain, from bodily suffering to mental anguish, showing how the Greeks conceptualized distress.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, odynaō indicates an active state of suffering, whether inflicted by external circumstances or arising from internal emotions. In the New Testament, it is used in both forms.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Cause Physical Pain: In its most basic form, odynaō can refer to causing physical pain or suffering. In ancient Greek literature, this usage is common in descriptions of injury or illness.

2. To Be Distressed: In Luke 2:48, odynaō carries a figurative meaning, referring to deep emotional pain or distress. When Mary asks Jesus, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you,” the word odynaō conveys the emotional turmoil and anxiety she endured during the search.

3. To Suffer Mental Anguish: Odynaō is also used to describe profound mental suffering, the kind that arises from grief, loss, or fear. This broadens its meaning from mere physical pain to encompass the full spectrum of human suffering.

Exploring Similar Words

1. πάσχω (paschō) [pronunciation: PAS-kho]: This verb also means “to suffer” but is often used in contexts that refer more specifically to enduring hardship or affliction, particularly in the sense of experiencing events or persecution, rather than an internal emotional state.

2. ἀλγέω (algeō) [pronunciation: al-GEH-oh]: Another Greek word for “suffering,” algeō refers to physical pain or anguish, similar to odynaō, but it emphasizes more the physical aspect of pain rather than emotional suffering.

3. λυπέω (lypeō) [pronunciation: loo-PEH-oh]: Meaning “to grieve” or “to be sorrowful,” lypeō focuses more on the sorrowful feelings of sadness and mourning rather than the acute anguish indicated by odynaō.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: ὀδυνάω is used in the present tense in Luke 2:48, indicating an ongoing or immediate action of distress. It can also be found in other tenses, such as the aorist, to indicate a completed action of suffering or distress.

• Present: ὀδυνῶ (I cause pain or I am distressed)

• Aorist: ὠδύνησα (I caused pain or I was distressed)

Person and Number: The verb can be conjugated across all persons and numbers, depending on the subject of the sentence.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The insights from major Greek lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ emphasize the dual nature of odynaō as a verb indicating both physical and emotional pain. In classical contexts, it often referred to physical suffering, especially related to illness or injury. However, in New Testament contexts, it increasingly takes on a figurative sense, expressing the deep mental anguish associated with loss, fear, and distress. Luke 2:48 stands as a primary example, where Mary’s words convey not just a mild concern but a deep, heartfelt anxiety. This emotional layer is crucial in understanding the intensity of her experience.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 2:48 – “And when they saw him, they were astonished: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing (ὀδυνώμενοι).”

2. Luke 16:24 – “And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented (ὀδυνῶμαι) in this flame.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Homer Iliad “The warrior’s wound caused him great pain (ὀδυνάω).”

Plato Phaedo “He suffered mentally (ὀδυνᾶτο) from the weight of his decision.”

Septuagint 1 Samuel “Her heart was in anguish (ὀδυνῶ) as she prayed for a child.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word ὀδυνάω (odynaō) provides significant insight into both physical and emotional suffering in the biblical and classical worlds. Its occurrence in Luke 2:48 reveals the depth of Mary’s emotional distress upon finding Jesus in the temple, expanding our understanding of the human emotions depicted in Scripture. The word’s dual capacity to refer to both physical and emotional pain makes it a crucial term for comprehending the full range of suffering, whether in ancient literature or in the New Testament’s portrayal of human experiences.

Did You Know?

1. In classical Greek, odynaō was frequently used in medical texts to describe the pain of wounds or illness.

2. The word odynaō can be connected to both the suffering caused by external circumstances and internal mental or emotional anguish.

3. In the New Testament, odynaō is often used in contexts of deep emotional pain, highlighting its significance in depicting moments of distress.