Brief Overview of πένθος (Strong’s G3997: penthos)

Strong’s G3997: A noun denoting deep grief, mourning, or sorrow. Related to πενθέω. In NT usage, particularly emphasizes spiritual grief over sin and worldliness. Used in contexts of repentance and spiritual transformation, describing profound sorrow that leads to change.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πένθος represents deep mourning or grief, particularly in spiritual contexts. In James, it appears as part of the call to genuine repentance from worldliness. Early church writers saw it as essential to true spiritual transformation. Today, it helps us understand the proper response to sin and the role of godly sorrow in spiritual growth.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πένθος, penthos, [PEN-thos]
• Detailed pronunciation: PEN-thoss
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From Indo-European root *kwenth- (to suffer)
• Related to πάθος (suffering)
• Forms noun of emotional state
• Base for verb πενθέω

D – Defining Meanings

• Deep mourning
• Spiritual grief
• Sorrow over sin
• Lamentation

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a primary noun

Translation Options:

• Mourning – General usage
• Deep sorrow – Emotional emphasis
• Grief – Personal experience

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θρῆνος [thrēnos, THRAY-nos] – lamentation
• ὀδυρμός [odyrmos, o-deer-MOSS] – wailing
• λύπη [lypē, LOO-pay] – sorrow

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Second Declension
• Neuter Gender
• Nominative: πένθος
• Genitive: πένθους
• Dative: πένθει
• Accusative: πένθος
• Cross-references: πενθέω (to mourn), πενθικός (mournful)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes spiritual dimension. Thayer’s notes depth of emotion. LSJ traces ritualistic usage. Vine’s highlights transformative aspect. Moulton and Milligan show usage in grief contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning [πένθος] and your joy to gloom.” (James 4:9)

Additional References:
Revelation 18:7-8, Revelation 21:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πένθος teaches us that genuine spiritual transformation involves deep sorrow over sin. This godly grief leads not to despair but to joy, as God promises to comfort those who mourn and transform their sorrow into gladness.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient funeral dirges
2. Key concept in desert fathers’ spirituality
3. Influenced development of Christian penitential practices

Strong’s G3997: A noun denoting deep grief, mourning, or sorrow. Related to πενθέω. In NT usage, particularly emphasizes spiritual grief over sin and worldliness. Used in contexts of repentance and spiritual transformation, describing profound sorrow that leads to change.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #Mourning #Grief #Repentance #GodlySorrow #SpiritualTransformation #Lamentation #JamesEpistle #Comfort #Restoration #ChristianLife​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​