### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **lypéō**, represented by `{{G3076}}`, describes the act of causing distress or the state of being sad. Appearing **30 times** across **21 unique verses**, its meaning ranges from being "in heaviness" or "sorrowful" to being "grieved" or made "sorry". It is derived from the noun `{{G3077}}` and captures a deep sense of emotional or spiritual pain.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the scriptures, `{{G3076}}` is used to express profound human emotion in response to divine events and teachings. The disciples were "exceeding sorry" upon hearing Jesus’ prediction of his death [[Matthew 17:23]], and again when confronted with the possibility of betrayal [[Matthew 26:22]]. The rich young man went away "sorrowful" because he could not part with his great possessions [[Matthew 19:22]], and Peter "was grieved" when Jesus questioned his love a third time [[John 21:17]]. The term also carries a direct spiritual instruction, as believers are warned not to "grieve" the Holy Spirit of God [[Ephesians 4:30]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of sorrow:
* `{{G3077}}` **lýpē** (sadness): This is the noun form from which `{{G3076}}` is derived, representing the state of grief or sorrow itself. Jesus promises his disciples that their sorrow `{{G3077}}` will be turned into joy [[John 16:20]].
* `{{G3341}}` **metánoia** (repentance): This is critically linked to godly sorrow. Paul rejoiced not that the Corinthians were made sorry `{{G3076}}`, but that they "sorrowed to repentance" `{{G3341}}` [[2 Corinthians 7:9]].
* `{{G5463}}` **chaírō** (to be "cheer"ful): This word often stands in direct contrast to `{{G3076}}`, highlighting the tension in a believer's life. Paul describes his state as being "sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing" `{{G5463}}` [[2 Corinthians 6:10]].
* `{{G2347}}` **thlîpsis** (pressure): This describes the affliction or tribulation that can be a source of sorrow. Paul wrote to the Corinthians out of much affliction `{{G2347}}` and anguish, not to make them grieved `{{G3076}}`, but to show his love [[2 Corinthians 2:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3076}}` is particularly evident in its various contexts.
* **A Distinction in Sorrow:** A crucial theological point is the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. Paul explains that godly sorrow `{{G3077}}` "worketh repentance to salvation," while the sorrow of the world leads to death [[2 Corinthians 7:10]].
* **The Product of Godly Sorrow:** This type of sorrow is not an end in itself but produces positive spiritual fruit. It works "carefulness" `{{G4710}}`, "fear" `{{G5401}}`, and "zeal" in the believer, demonstrating a true change of heart [[2 Corinthians 7:11]].
* **Sorrow and Christian Hope:** Sorrow is a reality for believers. Peter acknowledges that believers may be in "heaviness" `{{G3076}}` through trials, but this is temporary [[1 Peter 1:6]]. Paul urges believers not to sorrow `{{G3076}}` as those who have no "hope" `{{G1680}}` [[1 Thessalonians 4:13]].
* **Relational Grief:** The command not to grieve `{{G3076}}` the Holy Spirit implies a personal relationship that can be negatively affected by sin, highlighting the Spirit's sensitivity and personal involvement in a believer's life [[Ephesians 4:30]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3076}}` is a significant term that captures a spectrum of human sadness and spiritual distress. It moves beyond a simple emotion to become a key element in Christian theology, distinguishing between a worldly sorrow that is destructive and a godly sorrow that produces repentance and life. From the disciples’ grief to a believer's proper response to trials, **lypéō** illustrates the pain of the human condition, the cost of discipleship, and the constructive role sorrow can play on the path to salvation.
TRV