Brief Overview of στυγνάζω (Strong’s G4768: stugnazo)

Strong’s G4768: A verb meaning to be or become gloomy, sad, or darkened. Derived from a root meaning to hate or abhor, it describes both literal darkening (as of the sky) and metaphorical gloom or dejection in one’s countenance. Used in contexts of deep emotional or spiritual distress.

U- Unveiling the Word

Στυγνάζω (stugnazo) carries profound psychological and emotional depth in its meaning. Its primary sense conveys becoming gloomy or showing visible signs of dejection, while its secondary meaning relates to darkening, particularly of the sky or weather. The word’s usage in the New Testament presents a vivid picture of human emotional expression and natural phenomena. In early church writings, it often depicted the appropriate response to sin and worldly attachment, though not without hope. Today, it reminds us that expressions of godly sorrow can be stepping stones toward repentance and transformation in the Messiah.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στυγνάζω, stugnazo, /stoog-nad’-zo/
• Detailed pronunciation: STOOG (as in “stool”) – NAD (as in “nod”) – ZO (as in “zone”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From στυγνός (stugnos) – gloomy, sad
• Related to στύξ (stux) – hatred, gloom
• -αζω suffix indicating ongoing or repetitive action
• Ultimate root στυγ- (stug-) carrying the idea of hatred or horror

D – Defining Meanings

• To become gloomy or downcast
• To show signs of dejection in one’s face
• To darken (of the sky)

For compound words:
Base word στυγ- (stug-) provides the core meaning of gloom/hatred
-αζω suffix indicates an ongoing process or state

Translation Options:

• “To become gloomy” – Best captures both emotional and physical aspects
• “To be downcast” – Emphasizes the visible manifestation of dejection
• “To darken” – Specifically for meteorological contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• λυπέω (lupeo) /loo-peh’-o/ – to grieve or cause pain See G3076
• σκυθρωπάζω (skuthropazo) /skoo-thro-pad’-zo/ – to be of a sad countenance See G4659
• ἀθυμέω (athumeo) /ath-oo-meh’-o/ – to be disheartened See G120

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, στυγνάζω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Progressive (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

The word typically appears in present tense, indicating ongoing action. Examples:

• Present: στυγνάζω (I am becoming gloomy)
• Aorist: ἐστύγνασα (I became gloomy)
• Present Participle: στυγνάζων (becoming gloomy)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines στυγνάζω primarily as expressing visible dejection or gloominess. Thayer’s emphasizes its connection to hatred and horror. LSJ notes its usage in classical Greek for both emotional and meteorological contexts. Vine’s connects it to internal distress manifesting externally. Strong’s highlights the word’s relation to hatred. LEH notes its usage in the Septuagint for expressing dejection. Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence of its use in describing both weather and emotional states.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 16:3: “And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening [στυγνάζω].'”

Additional References:
Mark 10:22

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Στυγνάζω powerfully captures both external manifestations of internal turmoil and natural phenomena. Its usage in the New Testament reveals the profound connection between emotional and spiritual states. The word reminds us that while we may experience moments of gloom in our walk with the Messiah, these experiences can lead to genuine repentance and transformation through His grace.

D – Did You Know?

• The word shares its root with the name of the river Styx in Greek mythology
• It’s one of few Greek words that can describe both human emotion and weather conditions
• The word appears in ancient medical texts describing symptoms of melancholy

Strong’s G4768: A verb meaning to be or become gloomy, sad, or darkened. Derived from a root meaning to hate or abhor, it describes both literal darkening (as of the sky) and metaphorical gloom or dejection in one’s countenance. Used in contexts of deep emotional or spiritual distress.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: emotion, weather, gloom, darkness, facial-expression, dejection, sadness, meteorological-terms, spiritual-condition, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​