Brief Overview of στενάζω (Strong’s G4727: stenazō)

Strong’s G4727: A verb meaning “to groan, sigh deeply, or express anguish.” In New Testament usage, it describes both human expressions of deep emotion and divine responses, notably appearing in Jesus’ healing ministry and in contexts of spiritual intercession.

U- Unveiling the Word

στενάζω represents the audible expression of deep emotional or spiritual burden. In the New Testament, it appears in diverse contexts, from Jesus’ healing ministry to descriptions of spiritual intercession and Christian suffering. This word captures both physical and spiritual dimensions of groaning, seen first in Jesus’ own emotional response during healing and later in Paul’s descriptions of creation’s groaning and the Spirit’s intercession. Early church fathers saw in this word the connection between human suffering and divine compassion. Today, it continues to validate the expression of deep emotion in both prayer and ministry.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στενάζω, stenazō, sten-AD-zo
• Detailed pronunciation: sten (as in stem) + ad (as in add) + zo (as in zone)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From στένω (stenō) – to be narrow, confined
• -άζω (-azō) suffix – forms intensive verbs
• Indicates compressed feeling seeking expression

D – Defining Meanings

• To groan deeply
• To sigh with anguish
• To express wordless emotion
• To pray with deep feeling

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a simple verb

Translation Options:

• “To groan” – emphasizes audible expression
• “To sigh deeply” – suggests emotional depth
• “To express anguish” – captures both sound and feeling

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συστενάζω (systenazō) [soo-sten-AD-zo] – to groan together – See G4959
• στεναγμός (stenagmos) [sten-ag-MOS] – groaning (noun) – See G4726
• ὀδύρομαι (odyromai) [od-OO-rom-ai] – to lament – See G3602

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Examples:

• Present active: στενάζω (I groan)
• Aorist active: ἐστέναξα (I groaned)
• Present participle: στενάζων (groaning)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes emotional depth. Thayer’s notes both physical and spiritual aspects. LSJ documents extensive usage in expressing grief. Vine’s highlights its use in prayer contexts. Strong’s connects it to compressed feeling. LEH traces Septuagint usage in laments. Moulton and Milligan show common usage in personal letters.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 7:34: “Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed [στενάζω] and said to him, ‘Ephphatha,’ that is, ‘Be opened.'”

Additional References:
Mark 8:12, Romans 8:23, 2 Corinthians 5:2, 2 Corinthians 5:4, Hebrews 13:17, James 5:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

στενάζω reminds us that even Jesus expressed deep emotion in His ministry. It proclaims the good news that our Messiah understands and shares our deepest feelings, and that the Spirit transforms our groans into perfect prayer. This word validates emotional authenticity in our spiritual life while pointing to divine compassion and understanding.

D – Did You Know?

• Ancient medical texts used it to describe patients’ expressions of pain
• It appears in early Christian martyrdom accounts describing faithful suffering
• Greek philosophers debated whether wise men should express such emotions

Strong’s G4727: A verb meaning “to groan, sigh deeply, or express anguish.” In New Testament usage, it describes both human expressions of deep emotion and divine responses, notably appearing in Jesus’ healing ministry and in contexts of spiritual intercession.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: groaning, sighing, emotion, prayer, intercession, suffering, Jesus-emotions, Holy-Spirit, spiritual-expression, healing-ministry, divine-compassion, human-emotion, spiritual-communication, lament, authentic-faith​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​