Brief Overview of περίλυπος (Strong’s G4036: perilypos)

Strong’s G4036: A compound adjective combining περί (around) and λύπη (grief), meaning “deeply grieved, surrounded by sorrow.” Used particularly of Jesus in Gethsemane and of profound spiritual sorrow, indicating overwhelming emotional distress that encompasses one’s entire being.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περίλυπος represents overwhelming sorrow that encompasses one’s entire being. As a compound word, it combines the encompassing aspect of περί with the grief of λύπη, creating a picture of complete emotional distress. In the New Testament, it appears most notably in describing Jesus’s agony in Gethsemane and the rich young ruler’s response to Jesus’s call. The word carries profound theological significance in showing both Christ’s full humanity in His suffering and the deep spiritual struggle involved in following Him. Early church writers used it to discuss both Christ’s passion and genuine spiritual conviction. Today, it validates the reality of deep emotional pain while pointing to Christ who experienced it fully.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περίλυπος, perilypos, [peh-REE-loo-pos]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-REE-loo-pos (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around, completely”
• λύπη (lype): root noun meaning “grief, sorrow”
• -ος (-os): adjectival ending
• Combined meaning: encompassed by grief

D – Defining Meanings

• Deeply grieved
• Exceedingly sorrowful
• Overwhelmed with sorrow

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “completely” to λύπη “sorrow,” creating the sense of being entirely surrounded by grief

Translation Options:

1. Deeply grieved – Emphasizes intensity
2. Overwhelmed with sorrow – Captures encompassing nature
3. Exceedingly sorrowful – Reflects complete state

E – Exploring Similar Words

• λυπηρός [lyperos, loo-pay-ROS] – grievous
• ὀδυνηρός [odyneros, o-doo-nay-ROS] – painful
• βαρύθυμος [barythymos, ba-ROO-thee-mos] – heavy-hearted

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjectival Features:

• Case: Nominative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine/Feminine
• Agreement: Modifies nouns/pronouns

Examples of forms:
Masculine: περίλυπος
Feminine: περίλυπος
Neuter: περίλυπον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its intensity of grief. Thayer’s notes its use in Christ’s passion. LSJ provides examples of overwhelming sorrow. Vine’s connects it to spiritual anguish. Strong’s emphasizes complete encompassment by grief. Moulton and Milligan document its use in expressing deep emotion.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Then He said to them, ‘My soul is [exceedingly sorrowful], even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.'” (Matthew 26:38)

Additional References:
Mark 14:34, Luke 18:23

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περίλυπος powerfully illustrates both Christ’s humanity and the cost of discipleship. Used to describe Jesus’s agony, it shows us a Savior who fully understands human suffering. This promotes the good news by revealing a King Jesus who entered completely into human sorrow to bring us joy.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient medical texts describing depression
2. Appears in Greek tragedy to describe ultimate suffering
3. Connected to spiritual transformation in early Christian writings

Strong’s G4036: Compound adjective expressing complete encompassment by grief. Used of Christ’s Gethsemane experience and deep spiritual conviction. Indicates overwhelming sorrow that affects one’s entire being.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: #Sorrow #Grief #Gethsemane #ChristsSuffering #BiblicalGreek #CompoundWords #Emotions #Passion #Discipleship #Suffering​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​