Brief Overview of στενοχωρέω (Strong’s G4729: stenochōreō)

Strong’s G4729: A compound verb literally meaning “to be confined in a narrow space,” metaphorically expressing severe distress or constraint. In New Testament usage, it appears in Paul’s descriptions of apostolic sufferings and Christian experience, emphasizing affliction without ultimate defeat.

U- Unveiling the Word

στενοχωρέω combines physical confinement with spiritual and emotional distress. As a compound of “narrow” and “space,” it vividly describes being hemmed in or compressed. In Pauline usage, it appears in paradoxical expressions of Christian suffering that demonstrate God’s sustaining power. Early church fathers used this term to describe martyrdom experiences and spiritual warfare. Today, it continues to express how believers may face severe constraints while remaining undefeated through Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στενοχωρέω, stenochōreō, sten-okh-o-REH-o
• Detailed pronunciation: sten (as in stem) + o (as in go) + kho (as in cope) + reh (as in red) + o (as in go)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From στενός (stenos) – narrow
• And χώρα (chōra) – space, place
• -έω (-eō) suffix – forms verbs

D – Defining Meanings

• To be confined in a narrow space
• To be pressed for room
• To be distressed
• To be restricted

For compound words:
στενός (narrow) + χώρα (space) combines to express compression or confinement

Translation Options:

• “To be distressed” – emphasizes emotional impact
• “To be restricted” – highlights physical limitation
• “To be confined” – captures both physical and metaphorical meanings

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θλίβω (thlibō) [THLEE-bo] – to press, afflict – See G2346
• πιέζω (piezō) [pee-ED-zo] – to press down – See G4085
• συνέχω (synechō) [soon-EKH-o] – to constrain – See G4912

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

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

Examples:

• Present passive: στενοχωροῦμαι (I am distressed)
• Present participle: στενοχωρούμενος (being distressed)
• Perfect passive: ἐστενοχώρημαι (I have been distressed)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical use in affliction. Thayer’s traces compound meaning development. LSJ documents literal spatial usage. Vine’s highlights Pauline usage. Strong’s connects it to pressing circumstances. LEH notes Septuagint parallels. Moulton and Milligan show metaphorical development.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
2 Corinthians 4:8: “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed [στενοχωρέω].”

Additional References:
2 Corinthians 6:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

στενοχωρέω reveals the paradox of Christian suffering – constrained but not crushed. It proclaims the good news that the Messiah’s power sustains His people through every constraint. This word reminds us that while we may face severe restrictions, we are never ultimately defeated in Christ.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was used in ancient siege warfare descriptions
• Early Christian martyrdom accounts frequently employed this term
• Medical texts used it to describe constricted breathing

Strong’s G4729: A compound verb literally meaning “to be confined in a narrow space,” metaphorically expressing severe distress or constraint. In New Testament usage, it appears in Paul’s descriptions of apostolic sufferings and Christian experience, emphasizing affliction without ultimate defeat.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: affliction, distress, confinement, suffering, persecution, apostolic-hardships, Christian-suffering, spiritual-warfare, constraints, pressure, Pauline-paradox, martyrdom, tribulation, endurance, victory-in-suffering​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​