Pronunciation Guide: ah-day-mon-EH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G85: To be in deep anguish or distress, to be troubled to the depth of one’s being. The word conveys an intense state of anxiety, restlessness, and emotional disturbance that affects both mind and body. It particularly describes the overwhelming distress that comes from anticipating something dreadful.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Word: Possibly from ἀ (intensive) + δῆμος (away from home)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative passages describing extreme emotional distress
• Found in both Classical and Koine Greek literature
• Rare word in New Testament (only 3 occurrences)

Word Morphology:

• ἀδημονέω (present active indicative) – I am in deep distress
• ἀδημονῶν (present active participle) – being deeply distressed
• ἀδημονεῖν (present active infinitive) – to be deeply distressed

Word Origin & History

The etymology of ἀδημονέω remains somewhat debated among scholars. Some connect it to the concept of “being away from home” (δῆμος), suggesting the distress one feels when displaced or separated. Others link it to an intensive form expressing extreme agitation.

In classical Greek literature, Xenophon uses the term in his “Cyropaedia” to describe the profound anxiety of soldiers before battle. Hippocrates employs it in his medical writings to describe patients experiencing severe physical and psychological distress, indicating its connection to both mental and bodily anguish.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Intense mental and emotional anguish
• Deep inner turmoil and restlessness
• Overwhelming dread or distress
• Physical manifestation of extreme anxiety
• State of being severely troubled or distressed

Translation Options:

1. “To be in deep distress” – Best captures both emotional and physical aspects
2. “To be in severe anguish” – Emphasizes the intensity of the suffering
3. “To be overwhelmed with anxiety” – Highlights the psychological component

Biblical Usage

The word appears most prominently in describing the Messiah Jesus’s agony in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:37), where it powerfully conveys His intense emotional and spiritual struggle before the crucifixion. This usage represents the deepest expression of human anguish recorded in Scripture, as the Son of God faced the cup of divine wrath.

Its only other New Testament occurrence is in Philippians 2:26, describing Epaphroditus’s distress over his illness and its effect on the Philippian believers. The word choice suggests his anguish was similarly intense, though for different reasons.

Key Verses:

• “He began to be deeply distressed [ἀδημονέω] and troubled” (Mark 14:33)
• “Being in anguish [ἀδημονέω] He prayed more earnestly” (Matthew 26:37)
• “He was distressed [ἀδημονέω] because you heard he was ill” (Philippians 2:26)

Cultural Insights

In ancient Greek medical texts, ἀδημονέω was used to describe patients experiencing severe physical symptoms accompanied by extreme anxiety. This medical usage helps us understand that the word encompasses both psychological and physiological manifestations of distress, perfectly capturing Jesus’s experience in Gethsemane where He sweat drops of blood.

The term was also used in Greek athletic contexts to describe the intense anxiety athletes experienced before important competitions, suggesting a state of restless anticipation that affects the whole person.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀδημονέω in describing Jesus’s Gethsemane experience provides profound insight into His true humanity and the depth of His suffering. That the Gospel writers chose this rare and intense word shows the extraordinary nature of His anguish as He faced bearing the sins of humanity.

This word choice also demonstrates that experiencing deep emotional distress is not sinful in itself, as our sinless Savior experienced it to the fullest degree. It validates the reality of human emotional suffering while pointing to a Messiah who understands our deepest struggles personally.

Personal Application

When we face moments of overwhelming anxiety or distress, we can find comfort in knowing that our Savior experienced the deepest possible human anguish. His experience of ἀδημονέω means He intimately understands our struggles and can provide the comfort and strength we need in our darkest hours.

Just as Jesus’s anguish led Him to intense prayer, our own experiences of deep distress should drive us to seek the Father’s presence and strength. There is no depth of human suffering that our High Priest hasn’t personally experienced and overcome.

Related Words

• περίλυπος (perilupos) [peh-REE-loo-pos] – deeply grieved, encompasses sorrow. See G4036
• ταράσσω (tarassō) [ta-RAS-so] – troubled, disturbed, emphasizes agitation. See G5015
• ἀγωνία (agōnia) [ag-o-NEE-ah] – agony, severe mental struggle. See G74
• λυπέω (lupeō) [loo-PEH-o] – to grieve, cause pain. See G3076

Did you Know?

• The physical symptoms described by this word were so severe that ancient Greek physicians used it as a diagnostic term for patients experiencing both severe mental and physical distress.
• The word’s possible connection to “being away from home” (δῆμος) might reflect Jesus’s experience of feeling separated from the Father’s presence as He anticipated bearing our sins.
• Modern psychological studies on severe anxiety often describe symptoms remarkably similar to the ancient Greek understanding of ἀδημονέω, showing how precisely this word captured the mind-body connection in extreme distress.

Remember This

ἀδημονέω stands as a testament to the depths of the Messiah’s love – He who knew no sin experienced the ultimate human anguish to become our perfect High Priest and Savior.