### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb λυπέω (lypéō, `{{G3076}}`) is derived from the noun λύπη (lypē, `{{G3077}}`), which signifies "grief," "sorrow," or "pain." Consequently, λυπέω carries the primary meaning of "to cause grief or distress" in its active form, and "to be grieved," "to be sorrowful," or "to be distressed" in its passive or reflexive sense. Its semantic range extends from a mild sadness or regret to profound anguish and sorrow, encompassing both the act of inflicting pain (emotional) and the experience of suffering it. The term captures an internal state of emotional pain, often in response to external circumstances, sin, or loss.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
λυπέω appears frequently in the New Testament, revealing diverse contexts for its application:
* **Human Grief and Distress:** The disciples were λυπέω (grieved) when Jesus foretold His suffering and death ([[Matthew 17:23]]). Herod was "grieved" (λυπέω) by Salome's request for John the Baptist's head, yet he granted it due to his oath ([[Matthew 14:9]]). Jesus Himself noted that His disciples would "grieve" (λυπέω) at His departure, but their grief would turn to joy ([[John 16:20]]). Paul admonishes believers not to cause their brother to "grieve" (λυπέω) over food choices, emphasizing the importance of not leading others to stumble ([[Romans 14:15]]). In the context of death, Paul encourages believers not to "grieve" (λυπέω) as those who have no hope, highlighting the distinctive Christian perspective on death and resurrection ([[1 Thessalonians 4:13]]).
* **Divine Grief and Sorrow:** A profound theological application is found in the command not to "grieve" (λυπέω) the Holy Spirit of God ([[Ephesians 4:30]]). This indicates that the Holy Spirit is a personal being capable of being affected by human actions, particularly those that contradict His nature, such as bitterness, wrath, clamor, slander, and malice. Jesus also experienced λυπέω, being "deeply grieved" (λυπέω) by the hardness of heart displayed by those in the synagogue ([[Mark 3:5]]). This demonstrates divine empathy and sorrow over human unbelief and sin.
* **Sorrow Leading to Repentance:** Paul uses λυπέω extensively in 2 Corinthians, distinguishing between different kinds of sorrow. He writes that he caused the Corinthians "sorrow" (λυπέω) through his severe letter, but this sorrow ultimately led to repentance ([[2 Corinthians 2:2]], [[2 Corinthians 7:8-9]]). He further clarifies that "godly sorrow" (λυπέω) brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, unlike "worldly sorrow" which brings death ([[2 Corinthians 7:10]]). This distinction is crucial, showing that sorrow, when divinely orchestrated, can be a catalyst for spiritual transformation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The core of λυπέω is λύπη (lypē, `{{G3077}}`), its noun form, which consistently denotes "grief" or "sorrow." Other related terms include:
* πενθέω (pentheō, `{{G3996}}`): "to mourn," often implying outward expressions of lamentation. While λυπέω can be an internal state, πενθέω often describes the public display of grief.
* θλῖψις (thlipsis, `{{G2347}}`): "tribulation," "affliction," or "distress," typically referring to external pressures or sufferings that cause internal λυπέω.
* ὀδύνη (odynē, `{{G3601}}`): "pain" or "anguish," which can be physical or mental, and often accompanies λυπέω.
* Antonymously, χαρά (chara, `{{G5479}}`), meaning "joy" or "gladness," stands in direct contrast to λυπέω, as seen in Jesus' promise that the disciples' sorrow would turn into joy ([[John 16:20]]). The interplay between sorrow and joy is a recurring biblical theme, often with joy ultimately triumphing through divine intervention or eschatological hope.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of λυπέω is profound and multi-faceted:
1. **The Personhood of the Holy Spirit:** The command not to "grieve the Holy Spirit" ([[Ephesians 4:30]]) is a powerful affirmation of the Spirit's personality. It suggests that the Spirit is not merely an impersonal force but a divine person capable of experiencing emotion and being offended by sin, particularly disunity and unholy speech among believers. This calls for reverence and careful stewardship of spiritual fellowship.
2. **The Humanity and Empathy of Christ:** Jesus' own experience of being "grieved" ([[Mark 3:5]]) underscores His full humanity and His capacity for profound empathy. He understands human sorrow and is moved by human spiritual condition, demonstrating a compassionate God who enters into the suffering of His creation.
3. **The Nature of Repentance:** The distinction between "godly sorrow" and "worldly sorrow" ([[2 Corinthians 7:10]]) is a cornerstone of Christian theology regarding repentance. Godly sorrow, characterized by λυπέω, is a divinely initiated pain over sin that leads to genuine turning from sin and toward God, resulting in salvation. Worldly sorrow, in contrast, is mere regret or self-pity that offers no spiritual benefit and can lead to despair.
4. **Christian Hope in Suffering:** The instruction not to "grieve as others who have no hope" ([[1 Thessalonians 4:13]]) transforms the experience of sorrow, particularly in bereavement. For the believer, sorrow is tempered by the sure hope of resurrection and eternal life in Christ, offering a unique perspective that distinguishes Christian grief from the despair of the world.
### Summary
λυπέω (lypéō, `{{G3076}}`) is a rich Greek term signifying "to grieve" or "to be sorrowful." It encompasses a wide range of emotional distress, from personal sadness to profound anguish. Its biblical usage highlights the reality of human suffering, the personal nature of the Holy Spirit who can be grieved by sin, and the empathetic heart of Jesus. Crucially, it distinguishes between a "godly sorrow" that leads to repentance and salvation, and a "worldly sorrow" that leads to death. Ultimately, λυπέω serves as a reminder of the fallenness of the world, the call to spiritual sensitivity, and the transformative power of God's grace that can turn sorrow into joy through the hope found in Christ.
TRV