Brief Overview of πικρῶς (Strong’s G4090: pikrōs)
Strong’s G4090: An adverb meaning “bitterly,” derived from πικρός (bitter). In biblical usage, appears specifically in describing Peter’s bitter weeping after denying Jesus, expressing deep emotional and spiritual anguish leading to repentance.
U- Unveiling the Word
Πικρῶς (pikrōs) describes the intense manifestation of bitter grief and remorse. In the New Testament, it uniquely appears in the narratives of Peter’s repentance, characterizing the depth of his sorrow after denying Christ. Early church writers saw in this word the proper response to sin – not mere regret but deep, transformative grief leading to restoration. Today, it continues to illustrate genuine repentance that leads to renewal in Christ.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: πικρῶς, pikrōs, pik-roce’
- Detailed pronunciation: pik (as in “pick”) + roce (as in “rose”)
- Part of Speech: Adverb
Etymology:
From πικρός (pikros, bitter) with adverbial suffix -ως (-ōs)
D – Defining Meanings
- Bitterly
- With intense grief
- With deep remorse
- Painfully
- With anguish
Translation Options:
- Bitterly – captures emotional intensity
- With bitter grief – emphasizes sorrow aspect
- In deep anguish – reflects emotional pain
E – Exploring Similar Words
- ὀδυνηρῶς (odynērōs) [od-oo-nay-roce’] – painfully
- περιλύπως (perilypōs) [per-il’-oo-poce] – very sorrowfully
- σφοδρῶς (sphodrōs) [sfod-roce’] – exceedingly
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Adverb Features:
- Fixed form (does not decline)
- Derived from adjective πικρός
- Manner adverb
Cross-references:
- Adjective: πικρός (bitter)
- Verb: πικραίνω (to make bitter)
- Noun: πικρία (bitterness)
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its connection to genuine repentance. Thayer’s notes its intense emotional quality. LSJ documents its use in expressing deep grief. Vine’s connects it to spiritual transformation. Strong’s highlights its derivation from πικρός. Moulton and Milligan note its rare but significant usage.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
“And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly [πικρῶς].” (Matthew 26:75)
Additional References:
Luke 22:62
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Plutarch: Lives | “He mourned bitterly [πικρῶς] for his lost friend.” |
| Sophocles: Ajax | “The hero wept bitterly [πικρῶς] over his actions.” |
| Xenophon: Cyropaedia | “They grieved bitterly [πικρῶς] at their defeat.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Πικρῶς powerfully illustrates genuine repentance. The good news of King Jesus includes not just forgiveness but restoration after failure. This word reminds us that true repentance involves deep emotional engagement with our sin, leading to transformation through Christ’s grace.
D – Did You Know?
- Used in ancient funeral laments.
- Early church penitential rites referenced Peter’s bitter weeping.
- Influenced development of Christian teachings on repentance.
Strong’s G4090: An adverb expressing intense grief and remorse, particularly in the context of spiritual repentance. Most notably describes Peter’s response to his denial of Christ, illustrating genuine contrition leading to restoration.
Part of speech: Adverb
Tags: #repentance #weeping #Peter #denial #grief #restoration #Matthew #Luke #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #transformation
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
