from (much) and (grief; akin to the base of ἀγκάλη); to be greatly afflicted, i.e. (figuratively) indignant:--be much (sore) displeased, have (be moved with, with) indignation.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀγανακτέω (aganaktéō, `{{G23}}`) is a compound word derived from ἄγαν (agan, meaning "much" or "very") and a root related to ἄχθος (achthos, meaning "grief" or "burden"). Thus, its core etymological meaning is "to feel much grief" or "to be heavily burdened." However, in its practical usage within the New Testament and classical Greek, it consistently conveys the sense of "to be greatly displeased," "to be indignant," or "to be vexed." It denotes a strong emotional reaction, often righteous or justified, but also capable of being rooted in human sinfulness, such as envy, self-righteousness, or misunderstanding. The semantic range points to a deep-seated displeasure, more profound than mere annoyance, often bordering on righteous anger or indignation against perceived wrong, injustice, or impropriety.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀγανακτέω (aganaktéō, `{{G23}}`) appears eight times in the New Testament, exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, offering crucial insights into human and divine reactions.
1. **Matthew 20:24 and Mark 10:41**: In both accounts, the ten disciples become indignant ("ἀγανακτέω") when James and John request positions of honor in Jesus' kingdom. This indignation is rooted in human ambition and rivalry, revealing their own desire for preeminence and a lack of understanding regarding true servant leadership. It highlights the fallen human tendency towards envy and self-interest.
2. **Matthew 21:15**: The chief priests and scribes are indignant ("ἀγανακτέω") when they hear children in the temple shouting praises to Jesus ("Hosanna to the Son of David"). Their indignation stems from their legalistic and self-righteous opposition to Jesus' authority and identity. They are displeased by spontaneous, unadulterated worship directed at one they refuse to acknowledge as Messiah, revealing their hardened hearts and spiritual blindness.
3. **Matthew 26:8 and Mark 14:4**: During the anointing of Jesus by a woman with expensive perfume, some of the disciples (Matthew explicitly mentions "the disciples," while Mark says "some who were present") are indignant ("ἀγανακτέω"). Their stated reason is the waste of the perfume, which could have been sold and given to the poor. While seemingly pious, John's Gospel [[John 12:4-6]] reveals Judas Iscariot's covetousness as the underlying motive. This instance demonstrates how indignation can mask selfish motives or a misunderstanding of profound acts of worship and devotion.
4. **Mark 10:14**: This is a uniquely significant occurrence. When the disciples rebuke those bringing children to Jesus, Jesus becomes indignant ("ἠγανάκτησεν," the aorist form of ἀγανακτέω). This is the only instance where Jesus Himself expresses this emotion. His indignation is not rooted in sin but in righteous zeal. He is displeased with His disciples for hindering the little children from coming to Him, thereby obstructing access to the Kingdom of God. This reveals Jesus' deep love for the vulnerable, His desire for all to come to Him, and His opposition to anything that creates barriers to divine grace. It is a powerful example of holy anger directed against human obstruction of God's purposes.
5. **Luke 13:14**: The ruler of the synagogue is indignant ("ἀγανακτέω") because Jesus healed a woman on the Sabbath. His indignation is rooted in rigid legalism and a misplaced emphasis on rules over compassion. He prioritizes Sabbath regulations above human need and divine mercy, illustrating how religious adherence can become a source of unrighteous anger and opposition to God's compassionate work.
In summary, while human indignation is often driven by sin (envy, pride, covetousness, legalism) and misunderstanding, Jesus' indignation is singularly righteous, demonstrating His divine character and zeal for the Kingdom of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ἀγανακτέω (aganaktéō, `{{G23}}`) intersects with several other Greek words expressing strong emotion, particularly anger or displeasure, but with nuanced distinctions:
* **ὀργίζομαι (orgizomai, `{{G3710}}`)**: To be angry. This is a more general term for anger, whether righteous or sinful. While ἀγανακτέω implies a deep-seated indignation often arising from a perceived injustice, ὀργίζομαι can denote a broader range of angry responses.
* **θυμός (thymos, `{{G2372}}`)**: Passionate anger, wrath, often a sudden outburst. This term emphasizes the heat and intensity of the emotion, sometimes leading to impulsive action. ἀγανακτέω, while strong, can imply a more settled displeasure.
* **ζῆλος (zelos, `{{G2205}}`)**: Zeal, jealousy, envy. This word can be used positively for fervent devotion, but also negatively for bitter envy or rivalry. The indignation of the disciples in Matthew 20:24 and Mark 10:41 is closely linked to ζῆλος in its negative sense.
* **λύπη (lype, `{{G3077}}`)**: Grief, sorrow. This word is related to the etymological root of ἀγανακτέω, highlighting the underlying sense of being burdened or pained by something. While ἀγανακτέω manifests as outward displeasure, it can stem from an inner sense of distress or sorrow over a perceived wrong.
The concept of "righteous anger" is a key theological theme related to ἀγανακτέω, particularly as exemplified by Jesus in Mark 10:14. This stands in stark contrast to "sinful anger," which is condemned in passages like [[Ephesians 4:26-27]] and [[Colossians 3:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀγανακτέω (aganaktéō, `{{G23}}`) lies primarily in its dual manifestation: human indignation versus divine indignation.
**Human Indignation:** In most occurrences, human indignation serves as a diagnostic tool, revealing the flawed nature of humanity. It exposes:
* **Sinful Ambition and Envy:** The disciples' indignation at James and John's request highlights the pervasive struggle with pride and rivalry even among those closest to Jesus.
* **Legalism and Self-Righteousness:** The chief priests, scribes, and the synagogue ruler demonstrate how rigid adherence to human traditions or misinterpretations of divine law can lead to a rejection of God's compassionate work and a perverse anger at good deeds.
* **Misplaced Priorities and Covetousness:** The disciples' indignation over the anointing with perfume underscores a misunderstanding of true worship and generosity, sometimes masking underlying greed.
These instances serve as warnings, urging believers to examine the source and object of their own indignation, ensuring it is not rooted in sin but in truth and righteousness.
**Divine Indignation:** The singular instance of Jesus' indignation in Mark 10:14 is profoundly significant. It reveals:
* **Jesus' Character and Compassion:** His displeasure is not a loss of temper but a righteous response to an injustice. It underscores His deep love for children and the vulnerable, and His desire for all to have unhindered access to Him and the Kingdom of God.
* **Opposition to Obstruction:** Jesus' indignation is directed against anything that hinders people, especially the innocent and marginalized, from coming to Him. This applies not only to literal children but to any person or system that creates barriers to grace, faith, or the experience of God's love.
* **The Nature of Righteous Anger:** This passage provides a crucial biblical example of anger that is not sinful. It is anger born of love, zeal for God's purposes, and a holy opposition to evil or spiritual hindrance. It demonstrates that not all anger is sin, but righteous anger must be selfless, directed towards God's glory, and aimed at the removal of obstacles to His will.
### Summary
The word ἀγανακτέω (aganaktéō, `{{G23}}`) describes a profound displeasure or indignation, stemming from a sense of being greatly burdened or grieved by a perceived wrong. While frequently exposing the sinful motivations of humanity—such as envy, legalism, and covetousness—its most striking usage is in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus Himself expresses indignation. This divine instance is unique, revealing Christ's righteous anger against those who would hinder access to the Kingdom of God, particularly for the vulnerable. The study of ἀγανακτέω therefore serves as a powerful reminder to discern the nature of our own emotional responses, urging believers to emulate Christ's holy zeal for God's purposes and His compassionate concern for all, while guarding against the unrighteous indignation born of human sin.
TRV