Brief Overview of σκυθρωπός (Strong’s G4659: skythrōpos)

Strong’s G4659: An adjective meaning gloomy-faced, having a sad countenance, or of somber appearance. Used to describe artificial or exaggerated expressions of sadness, particularly in religious contexts. Jesus uses it to critique hypocritical displays of fasting in the Sermon on the Mount.

U- Unveiling the Word

σκυθρωπός describes a visible manifestation of gloom or sadness, particularly focusing on facial expression. In the New Testament, Jesus employs this term when addressing hypocritical religious displays, specifically referring to those who intentionally appear downcast during fasting to gain public recognition. Early church fathers used this word when discussing genuine versus performative piety. The term carries special significance in discussions of authentic spirituality versus outward show, remaining relevant today in conversations about genuine faith versus religious performance.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκυθρωπός, skythrōpos, /skoo-thro-pos’/
• Detailed pronunciation: ‘skoo’ as in “school,” ‘thro’ as in “throw,” ‘pos’ as in “pose”
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: σκυθρός (skythros) – sullen, gloomy
• Root: ὤψ (ōps) – face, appearance
• Compound word combining “gloomy” and “face”

D – Defining Meanings

• Having a sad or gloomy face
• Appearing downcast or morose
• Exhibiting artificial sadness
• Looking sullen or dispirited

For compound words: Combines σκυθρός (gloomy) with ὤψ (face) to describe someone whose face shows gloom or sadness

Translation Options:

• “Gloomy-faced” – Most literal translation capturing both components
• “Of sad countenance” – More formal equivalent
• “Looking miserable” – Modern dynamic equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• στυγνάζω (stygnazō) /stoog-nad’-zo/ – to be gloomy or shocked See G4768
• κατηφής (katēphēs) /kat-ay-face’/ – downcast, ashamed See G2735
• λυπέω (lypeō) /loo-peh’-o/ – to grieve, cause pain See G3076

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second/First

Examples:

• Masculine: σκυθρωπός (gloomy-faced)
• Feminine: σκυθρωπή (gloomy-faced)
• Neuter: σκυθρωπόν (gloomy-faced)
• Cross-references: Related adverb σκυθρωπῶς

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of artificial religious display. Thayer’s notes its compound nature describing facial appearance. LSJ provides examples from classical literature describing genuine and feigned sadness. Vine’s highlights Jesus’s critique of hypocritical fasting practices. Strong’s connects it to deliberate display of gloom. Moulton and Milligan document its use in describing both genuine and affected moods. LEH notes its appearance in Septuagint wisdom literature.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad [σκυθρωπός] countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.” Matthew 6:16

Additional References:
Luke 24:17

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σκυθρωπός powerfully illustrates Jesus’s emphasis on authentic spirituality over religious performance. Used to critique hypocritical displays of piety, it promotes the Gospel by reminding us that God seeks genuine heart transformation rather than outward shows of religiosity. This word challenges believers to examine their motives and pursue authentic relationship with Christ rather than human approval.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient Greek actors used the term in theatrical contexts for playing tragic roles.
2. Early Christian ascetics were sometimes criticized for being excessively σκυθρωπός.
3. The word influenced early Christian discussions about appropriate expressions of religious devotion.

Strong’s G4659: An adjective combining “gloomy” and “face” to describe a sad or morose countenance. In NT usage, specifically critiques artificial displays of religious devotion. Jesus uses it to address the gap between genuine spirituality and performative piety.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: facial-expression, hypocrisy, fasting, religious-display, authenticity, sermon-on-mount, jesus-teaching, genuine-faith, performance, piety, biblical-greek, new-testament, spiritual-authenticity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​