from ἐν and (to snort with anger); to have indignation on, i.e. (transitively) to blame, (intransitively) to sigh with chagrin, (specially) to sternly enjoin:--straitly charge, groan, murmur against.
Transliteration:embrimáomai
Pronunciation:em-brim-ah'-om-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1690}}` embrimáomai is a compound word derived from ἐν (en, "in" or "into") and βριμάομαι (brimaomai), a root verb meaning "to snort with anger" or "to roar." This etymology immediately suggests a powerful, internal, and often suppressed emotional intensity. The core meaning thus points to a deep, visceral reaction.
Its semantic range is notably broad, encompassing several distinct but related nuances:
1. **Indignation or Anger:** Primarily, it denotes a strong inner displeasure, often bordering on righteous indignation. This anger is not necessarily explosive but deeply felt and often internal, akin to "snorting inwardly."
2. **Stern Warning or Charge:** In a transitive sense, it can mean "to blame" or, more frequently in the New Testament, "to sternly enjoin" or "to give a strict charge." This usage implies an authoritative command given with an underlying sense of urgency, seriousness, or even displeasure at potential disobedience or misunderstanding.
3. **Deep Emotional Distress/Groaning:** In a more nuanced application, particularly evident in the Gospel of John, `{{G1690}}` can signify a profound internal agitation, a "groaning in spirit," or a sigh of deep chagrin or sorrow. This is not necessarily anger directed at a person, but an intense emotional response to a situation, such as the devastation wrought by death or the presence of unbelief.
The English translations "straitly charge," "groan," and "murmur against" reflect these various facets, highlighting the word's capacity to convey both authoritative command and profound internal emotion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G1690}}` embrimáomai appears five times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its rich semantic scope:
* **Jesus' Stern Charges (Mark 1:43; Matthew 9:30):**
* In [[Mark 1:43]], after healing a leper, Jesus "sternly charged" him (ἐμβριμησάμενος αὐτῷ) to show himself to the priest and offer the prescribed sacrifice, but to tell no one about the healing.
* Similarly, in [[Matthew 9:30]], following the healing of two blind men, Jesus "sternly charged" them (ἐνεβριμήθη αὐτοῖς) not to let anyone know.
In these contexts, the word conveys Jesus' authoritative command, given with a sense of urgency and perhaps even a hint of displeasure towards the potential for misunderstanding His messianic identity or hindering His ministry by premature publicity. It underscores His strategic control over the revelation of His person and power.
* **Disciples' Indignation (Mark 14:5):**
* [[Mark 14:5]] describes the reaction of some onlookers (likely disciples, as per [[John 12:4-5]]) to the woman anointing Jesus with costly perfume: "And some were **murmuring against** her" (ἐνεβριμῶντο αὐτῇ). Here, `{{G1690}}` signifies strong indignation and blame, reflecting their disapproval and a perceived waste of valuable resources. This highlights a human reaction rooted in a lack of understanding of the spiritual significance of the woman's act.
* **Jesus' Profound Emotional Agitation (John 11:33, 38):**
* The most profound uses occur in the narrative of Lazarus's resurrection. In [[John 11:33]], upon seeing Mary weeping and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, Jesus "groaned in the spirit and was troubled" (ἐνεβριμήσατο τῷ πνεύματι καὶ ἐτάραξεν ἑαυτόν).
* Again, in [[John 11:38]], as He approached the tomb, Jesus "again **groaned** in Himself" (πάλιν οὖν ἐμβριμώμενος ἐν ἑαυτῷ).
These instances reveal Jesus' deep emotional turmoil. It is not anger *at* Mary or the mourners, but a profound internal agitation, perhaps a righteous indignation against the devastating power of death, a sigh of grief over human suffering, or even a spiritual battle against the forces of darkness that hold humanity captive to mortality. It underscores His deep empathy and His solidarity with human sorrow, while also hinting at a divine displeasure with the effects of sin in the world.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share semantic overlap with `{{G1690}}` embrimáomai, particularly concerning strong emotion or authoritative command:
* **`{{G2008}}` epitimaō (to rebuke, warn, sternly charge):** This verb is very close in meaning to the "sternly enjoin" aspect of `{{G1690}}`, often used interchangeably in contexts where Jesus issues a strong command or rebuke (e.g., rebuking demons, calming the storm). While both convey authority, `{{G1690}}` often carries a stronger sense of internal agitation or indignation accompanying the charge.
* **`{{G3709}}` orgē (wrath, anger, indignation):** This noun denotes a settled, enduring anger, often righteous in God's context. `{{G1690}}` can describe the internal manifestation or expression of such indignation.
* **`{{G2372}}` thumos (passionate anger, rage):** This refers to a more volatile, often explosive anger. While `{{G1690}}` can be intense, it often implies a more contained or internal expression compared to `{{G2372}}`.
* **`{{G4726}}` stenazō (to groan, sigh):** This verb directly relates to the "groaning" aspect of `{{G1690}}`, particularly in [[John 11:33, 38]]. While `{{G4726}}` simply means to groan from pain or distress, `{{G1690}}` adds a layer of internal indignation or deep spiritual agitation to the groan.
* **`{{G1299}}` diastellomai (to command, give orders):** A more neutral term for issuing commands, lacking the intense emotional undertone of `{{G1690}}`.
The unique contribution of `{{G1690}}` lies in its ability to connote a deep, internal emotional state—whether indignation, sorrow, or spiritual agitation—that either underlies a stern command or manifests as a profound, often suppressed, groan.
### Theological Significance
The appearances of `{{G1690}}` embrimáomai offer profound theological insights, particularly into the person and character of Jesus Christ:
* **The Humanity of Christ:** The use of `{{G1690}}` in [[John 11:33, 38]] is arguably its most significant theological contribution. Jesus' "groaning" at Lazarus's tomb powerfully demonstrates His true humanity, His deep empathy, and His solidarity with human suffering. It is not a loss of divine composure, but a righteous, controlled, and profound emotional response to the devastating effects of sin and death on humanity. It reveals a Savior who genuinely feels and experiences the pain of His creation, even as He prepares to conquer its root cause. This "groaning" can be interpreted as a spiritual battle, an intense indignation against death's dominion, or a deep sorrow over human unbelief in the face of such suffering.
* **The Authority of Christ:** In the Synoptic Gospels ([[Mark 1:43]], [[Matthew 9:30]]), `{{G1690}}` underscores Jesus' divine authority and His strategic control over His messianic ministry. His "stern charge" is not a mere suggestion but a weighty command, given with a sense of purpose and the expectation of obedience. It highlights His wisdom in managing the timing and revelation of His identity to avoid political misconceptions or premature opposition.
* **Righteous Indignation:** The word points to a legitimate form of anger or indignation, particularly when directed against the forces of evil (death, unbelief) or human sinfulness (the disciples' murmuring in [[Mark 14:5]]). This is not a sinful outburst but a holy displeasure, revealing God's opposition to all that opposes His will and brings suffering.
* **The Cost of Ministry:** For Jesus, ministry involved profound emotional engagement. The "groaning" in John 11 suggests the deep spiritual and emotional cost of confronting sin, death, and unbelief, even for the Son of God.
### Summary
`{{G1690}}` embrimáomai is a powerful Greek verb that conveys intense, often internal, emotion, ranging from righteous indignation and stern disapproval to deep spiritual agitation and profound grief. Its etymology, rooted in the idea of "snorting with anger," points to a visceral, deeply felt reaction. In the New Testament, it is used to describe Jesus' authoritative and urgent "stern charges" ([[Mark 1:43]], [[Matthew 9:30]]), the "murmuring against" (indignation) of onlookers ([[Mark 14:5]]), and most profoundly, Jesus' own "groaning in spirit" ([[John 11:33, 38]]) in the face of death and human sorrow. Theologically, `{{G1690}}` offers a unique window into the full humanity of Christ, His divine authority, and His righteous indignation against the destructive powers of sin and death, revealing a Savior who deeply feels and strategically acts.
TRV