Brief Overview of συλλυπέω (Strong’s G4818: syllypeō)

Strong’s G4818: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and λυπέω (to grieve), meaning “to be grieved together” or “to feel deep sorrow.” In Mark’s gospel, it describes Jesus’ grief over hardness of heart, revealing His profound emotional response to human spiritual obstinacy.

U – Unveiling the Word

Συλλυπέω represents deep emotional and spiritual grief. As a compound word, it combines the concept of togetherness with sorrow, creating an intensified expression of grief. In Mark 3:5, it reveals Jesus’ profound sorrow over the hardness of hearts He encountered. Early church fathers used this term to describe both divine and human grief over sin and spiritual blindness. Today, it reminds us of the Messiah’s deep emotional investment in human spiritual welfare and calls believers to share His concern for spiritual hardness.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συλλυπέω, syllypeō, /sool-ly-PEH-oh/
• Pronunciation: sool-ly-PEH-oh (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• λυπέω (lypeō): verb meaning “to grieve or cause pain”
• The combination intensifies the experience of grief

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To grieve together with
2. To be deeply distressed
3. To feel intense sorrow
4. To share in grief

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): indicates shared or intensified experience
• λυπέω (lypeō): conveys grief or distress
  Together they express profound shared or intensified sorrow

Translation Options:

1. “Deeply grieved” – Emphasizes intensity
2. “Grieved together” – Highlights shared aspect
3. “Felt intense sorrow” – Captures emotional depth

E – Exploring Similar Words

• λυπέω (lypeō) /ly-PEH-oh/ – basic word for grieving. See G3076
• συμπάσχω (sympaschō) /soom-PAS-kho/ – focuses on suffering together. See G4841
• συναλγέω (synalgeō) /soon-al-GEH-oh/ – emphasizes shared pain. See G4872

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Passive, Middle
• Mood: Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Simple (Aorist)

Examples:

• Present Passive: συλλυποῦμαι – I am deeply grieved
• Aorist Passive: συνελυπήθην – I was deeply grieved
• Present Participle: συλλυπούμενος – being deeply grieved

Cross-references:

• Noun: συλλύπησις (syllypēsis)
• Adjective: συλλυπητικός (syllypētikos)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its intense emotional nature. Thayer’s notes its use in expressing deep grief. LSJ provides examples of shared sorrow. Vine’s highlights its unique use in Mark’s gospel. Strong’s connects it to joint sorrow. LEH discusses similar terms in emotional contexts. Moulton and Milligan show its use in personal letters expressing sympathy.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 3:5 “And He looked around at them with anger, [being grieved] {συλλυπέω} at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.'”

Additional References:
As a hapax legomenon, it appears only in Mark 3:5.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συλλυπέω reveals the Messiah’s profound emotional response to human spiritual hardness. It promotes the good news by showing us a Savior who deeply cares about our spiritual condition and is personally grieved by our resistance to divine grace. This challenges us to share His concern for spiritual authenticity and responsiveness to God.

D – Did You Know?

1. This is the only expression of Jesus’ grief using this particular compound word.
2. Ancient Greek medical writers used this term to describe sympathetic pain.
3. Early Christian martyrdom accounts used this word to describe believers’ shared grief.

Strong’s G4818: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and λυπέω (to grieve), meaning “to be grieved together” or “to feel deep sorrow.” In Mark’s gospel, it describes Jesus’ grief over hardness of heart, revealing His profound emotional response to human spiritual obstinacy.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: grief, sorrow, jesus-emotions, mark, hardness-of-heart, divine-grief, emotional-response, spiritual-condition, compassion, divine-sorrow, emotional-depth, spiritual-obstinacy​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​