Pronunciation Guide: ah-go-NEE-ah

Basic Definition

Strong’s G74: ἀγωνία refers to severe mental and emotional anguish or anxiety, originally derived from the intense struggle of athletic contests. In biblical usage, it particularly describes the profound spiritual wrestling and anguish experienced in prayer, most notably demonstrated in the Messiah’s prayer in Gethsemane.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Feminine noun
• Root Word: ἀγών (agōn) – contest, conflict, struggle
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative, particularly in contexts of spiritual struggle
• Semantic Domain: Emotion, Conflict, Athletic imagery

Word Morphology:

• ἀγωνία (nominative singular) – anguish, agony
• ἀγωνίας (genitive singular) – of anguish
• ἀγωνίᾳ (dative singular) – in/with anguish

Word Origin & History

The term ἀγωνία emerged from the world of Greek athletics, where it initially described the intense physical and mental strain experienced by competitors in the ancient games. In classical literature, Xenophon uses it in “Cyropaedia” to describe the anxiety before battle, while Demosthenes employs it in his orations to convey the mental struggle of political contests.

The word underwent a semantic evolution from its athletic origins to encompass broader meanings of mental and emotional struggle. By the Hellenistic period, it had developed into a term that could express profound inner turmoil and spiritual wrestling, setting the stage for its powerful use in the New Testament.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Intense anxiety or anguish, particularly in anticipation of significant events
• Inner struggle or wrestling, especially in prayer
• Severe emotional distress with physical manifestations

Translation Options:

1. “Agony” – Best captures both the emotional and physical aspects of the struggle
2. “Anguish” – Emphasizes the emotional depth of the experience
3. “Wrestling” – Useful when emphasizing the struggle aspect, particularly in prayer contexts

Biblical Usage

The most significant usage of ἀγωνία appears in Luke 22:44, describing the Messiah’s intense spiritual battle in Gethsemane. This passage uniquely captures the word’s full range of meaning, showing both the spiritual and physical manifestations of such deep anguish.

Key Biblical References:

• Luke 22:44 – “And being in agony [ἀγωνίᾳ], He was praying very fervently”
• Colossians 2:1 – Related word ἀγών used as struggle
• 1 Thessalonians 2:2 – Related word ἀγών used as conflict

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, the ἀγών (agōn) was not merely a sports competition but a fundamental cultural concept that shaped how people understood struggle and achievement. The gymnasium, where athletes trained, was considered as much a place of mental preparation as physical conditioning. This cultural background illuminates why Luke chose this specific term to describe Jesus’s experience in Gethsemane – it conveyed to his Hellenistic audience the ultimate spiritual contest.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀγωνία in describing the Messiah’s prayer in Gethsemane reveals profound theological truths about His humanity and the depth of His sacrificial love. This moment of intense spiritual wrestling demonstrates that Jesus fully experienced human emotional struggles while maintaining perfect submission to the Father’s will.

The term also provides insight into the nature of spiritual warfare and prayer, suggesting that genuine intercession often involves intense spiritual struggle. This understanding challenges superficial approaches to prayer and emphasizes the deep, sometimes agonizing nature of authentic spiritual engagement.

Personal Application

When we face moments of deep anguish or spiritual struggle, the concept of ἀγωνία reminds us that such experiences can be sacred spaces of encounter with God. Just as the Messiah’s agony in Gethsemane led to humanity’s redemption, our own seasons of wrestling in prayer can be transformative moments of submission and spiritual growth.

Related Words

• ἀγών (agōn) [ah-GONE] – contest, conflict, race. See G73
• ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnizomai) [ah-go-NID-zo-mai] – to struggle, compete, fight. See G75
• θλῖψις (thlipsis) [THLIP-sis] – tribulation, affliction. See G2347
• μέριμνα (merimna) [MEH-rim-nah] – anxiety, worry. See G3308

Did you Know?

• The modern English word “agony” comes directly from this Greek term ἀγωνία, preserving much of its original meaning across millennia.
• The physical manifestation of Jesus’s agony described in Luke – sweating drops like blood – is a documented medical condition called hematidrosis, caused by extreme stress.
• The ancient Olympics included a professional class of trainers called agonistai who specialized in preparing athletes for the psychological as well as physical demands of competition.

Remember This

ἀγωνία teaches us that our deepest struggles, when surrendered to God, can become sacred moments of transformation and victory.