Original Word: στενάζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: stenazó
Pronunciation: sten-AH-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (sten-ad'-zo)
Definition: I groan, expressing grief, anger, or desire.
Meaning: To groan, to sigh, to express grief or distress audibly.

Word Origin: From στενός (stenos), meaning "narrow" or "confined."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H5008 נָאָק (na'aq): To groan, to lament.
• H602 אֲנָחָה (anachah): A sigh, a groan.
• H584 אָנַח (anach): To sigh, to groan.

These Hebrew terms similarly convey expressions of distress or longing, often in the context of seeking relief or deliverance from God. They reflect the shared human experience of suffering and the hope for divine intervention found throughout the biblical narrative.

Usage: The verb στενάζω is used in the New Testament to describe a deep, often involuntary expression of suffering, longing, or burden. It conveys a sense of emotional or spiritual weight that is vocalized through groaning or sighing.

Context: The Greek verb στενάζω appears in several New Testament passages, each illustrating the profound emotional or spiritual response to various circumstances. This term is often associated with the human experience of suffering, longing for redemption, or the anticipation of divine intervention.

• Romans 8:22-23 (BSB): "We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." Here, στενάζω is used to describe both the creation and believers' deep yearning for the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate redemption.

• 2 Corinthians 5:2, 4 (BSB): "For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling... For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that our mortality may be swallowed up by life." In these verses, Paul uses στενάζω to express the believer's desire to transition from the earthly, mortal existence to the eternal, heavenly life.

• Mark 7:34 (BSB): "And looking up to heaven, He sighed deeply and said to him, 'Ephphatha!' (which means, 'Be opened!')." Here, Jesus' use of στενάζω reflects a deep compassion and empathy for human suffering, as He prepares to heal a man who is deaf and mute.

• Hebrews 13:17 (BSB): "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you." The term is used here to describe the potential burden and distress leaders may feel if their guidance is resisted.

The use of στενάζω in these contexts highlights the tension between present suffering and future hope, a theme prevalent in the New Testament. It underscores the reality of human frailty and the anticipation of divine restoration.

4727 stenázō (from 4728 /stenós, "compressed, constricted") – properly, to groan because of pressure of being exerted forward (like the forward pressure of childbirth); (figuratively) to feel pressure from what is coming on – which can be intensely pleasant or anguishing (depending on the context).

[This term "denotes feeling which is internal and unexpressed" (J. Mayor, Js., 162), i.e. to sigh, moan (groan) with frustration.]

Word Origin
from stenó (to moan, sigh, groan)
Definition
to groan (within oneself)
NASB Translation
complain (1), deep sigh (1), grief (1), groan (3).

STRONGS NT 4727: στενάζω

στενάζω; 1 aorist ἐστέναξα; (στένω, akin is German stohnen (cf. stentorian; Vanicek, p. 1141; Fick Part i. 249)); to sigh, to gross: 2 Corinthians 5:2, 4,(cf. Winer's Grammar, 353 (331)); Hebrews 13:17; ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, within ourselves, i. e. in our souls, inwardly, Romans 8:23; to pray sighing, Mark 7:34; κατά τίνος, James 5:9 (here R. V. murmur). (The Sept.; Tragg., Demosthenes, Plutarch, others) [COMPARE: ἀναστενάζω, σὑν᾿στενάζω. SYNONYM: cf. κλαίω, at the end.]

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

groan, sigh deeply.

From stenos; to make (intransitively, be) in straits, i.e. (by implication) to sigh, murmur, pray inaudibly -- with grief, groan, grudge, sigh.

see GREEK stenos

Forms and Transliterations

εστέναξα εστέναξαν εστέναξε εστεναξεν εστέναξεν ἐστέναξεν στενάζεις στεναζετε στενάζετε στεναζομεν στενάζομεν στεναζοντες στενάζοντες στενάζουσα στενάζω στενακτή στενάξαι στενάξατε στεναξεί στενάξεις στενάξης στενάξουσι στενάξουσιν στενάξω estenaxen esténaxen stenazete stenázete stenazomen stenázomen stenazontes stenázontes

Links

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