### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word λύπη (lypē, `{{G3077}}`) fundamentally denotes a state of "sadness" or "sorrow." Its semantic range extends to encompass grief, heaviness of heart, distress, and anguish. Unlike physical pain, λύπη primarily describes an emotional or psychological suffering. It is a deeply felt negative emotion arising from various causes, including loss, disappointment, sin, or the anticipation of suffering. The term is broad enough to describe both a profound, debilitating sorrow and a more transient, yet significant, heaviness. It captures the internal experience of lament and the burden of adverse circumstances.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
λύπη appears frequently in the New Testament, offering rich insights into the human experience of sorrow and its theological implications.
* **Jesus' Sorrow:** One of the most poignant occurrences is in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus confesses to His disciples, "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death" ([[Matthew 26:37]], [[Mark 14:34]]). Here, λύπη conveys the profound anguish and spiritual burden He bore in anticipation of the cross, highlighting His full humanity and identification with suffering humanity.
* **Worldly Sorrow:** In the parable of the sower, the seed sown among thorns is choked by "the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches," which are described as λύπη ([[Matthew 13:22]], [[Mark 4:19]]). This illustrates how worldly concerns can hinder spiritual growth, leading to a sorrow that is ultimately unfruitful. Similarly, the rich young ruler went away "grieved" (λυπούμενος) because he had many possessions, unwilling to relinquish them for Christ ([[Matthew 19:22]], [[Mark 10:22]]). This sorrow stems from an attachment to temporal things, hindering spiritual commitment.
* **Godly vs. Worldly Sorrow:** The Apostle Paul provides a crucial distinction in [[2 Corinthians 7:10]]: "For godly sorrow produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly sorrow produces death." Here, λύπη is categorized by its origin and outcome. "Godly sorrow" (ἡ κατὰ Θεὸν λύπη) is a sorrow over sin, prompted by the Holy Spirit, which leads to genuine repentance and life. "Worldly sorrow" (ἡ τοῦ κόσμου λύπη), conversely, is a self-centered sorrow that leads to despair, bitterness, and spiritual death, often characterized by regret without true change.
* **Paul's Pastoral Sorrow:** Paul frequently expresses λύπη concerning the spiritual state of believers or his own suffering for the gospel. He writes of having "great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart" for his kinsmen, Israel, who rejected Christ ([[Romans 9:2]]). His λύπη for the Corinthian church was a sign of his deep pastoral care, intended for their correction and restoration ([[2 Corinthians 2:1]], [[2 Corinthians 7:8-9]]).
* **Eschatological Hope:** John's vision in Revelation promises a future where God "will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away" ([[Revelation 21:4]]). The absence of λύπη is a hallmark of the new creation, signifying the complete eradication of suffering and its consequences.
### Related Words & Concepts
λύπη is often found in conjunction with or contrasted with other significant terms:
* **Antonyms:**
* χαρά (chara, `{{G5479}}`): joy, gladness. λύπη is the direct opposite of χαρά. Jesus contrasts the temporary λύπη of His disciples at His departure with the χαρά that will follow His resurrection ([[John 16:20-22]]).
* εὐφροσύνη (euphrosynē, `{{G2167}}`): gladness, merriment.
* **Synonyms/Related Concepts:**
* πένθος (penthos, `{{G3997}}`): mourning, lamentation. Often paired with λύπη to describe deep sorrow, as in [[Revelation 21:4]]. πένθος often has a more public or expressive dimension than λύπη, which can be internal.
* θλῖψις (thlipsis, `{{G2347}}`): tribulation, affliction, distress. While θλῖψις refers to external pressure or suffering, it frequently *produces* λύπη as an internal emotional response. Believers are called to rejoice even in θλῖψις, knowing it produces endurance, which contrasts with the natural λύπη it might bring.
* στεναγμός (stenagmos, `{{G4726}}`): groaning, sighing. This term describes the outward expression of deep λύπη or distress, often too profound for words ([[Romans 8:26]]).
* ὀδύνη (odynē, `{{G3601}}`): pain, anguish. While ὀδύνη can refer to physical pain, it also describes intense emotional anguish, similar to λύπη. Paul uses it in [[Romans 9:2]] alongside λύπη to convey his deep distress for Israel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of λύπη is multifaceted.
1. **Consequence of the Fall:** In a fallen world, λύπη is an inevitable aspect of the human condition, a consequence of sin, brokenness, and mortality. It is a natural response to loss, injustice, and the pervasive effects of sin.
2. **Humanity of Christ:** Jesus' experience of λύπη (e.g., Gethsemane, His weeping over Jerusalem in [[Luke 19:41]]) underscores His full humanity and His complete identification with human suffering. His sorrow was not a sign of weakness but of profound empathy and a willingness to bear the full weight of human sin and its consequences.
3. **Godly vs. Worldly Sorrow:** The distinction in [[2 Corinthians 7:10]] is paramount. "Godly sorrow" is a gift of grace, leading to repentance and spiritual transformation. It is a sorrow that aligns with God's will, recognizing one's sin against a holy God. "Worldly sorrow," in contrast, is self-focused, leading to despair, bitterness, and spiritual death, as it lacks true repentance and faith in God's redemptive work.
4. **Refinement and Growth:** While painful, λύπη experienced in the context of faith can serve as a crucible for spiritual growth, leading to deeper dependence on God, greater empathy for others, and a more profound appreciation for divine comfort.
5. **Eschatological Hope:** The ultimate theological significance of λύπη for believers lies in its temporary nature. The biblical narrative culminates in a future where God will permanently remove all λύπη and its causes, ushering in an era of unending joy and peace in His presence. This promise provides profound comfort and hope amidst present sorrows.
### Summary
λύπη (`{{G3077}}`) is the Greek word for "sadness" or "sorrow," encompassing grief, heaviness, and emotional distress. It is a pervasive human experience, vividly portrayed in the New Testament from Jesus' anguish in Gethsemane to Paul's pastoral burdens. The Bible distinguishes critically between "godly sorrow," which leads to repentance and salvation, and "worldly sorrow," which results in spiritual death. While λύπη is a natural consequence of living in a fallen world and can be a profound spiritual discipline leading to growth, it is ultimately a temporary state for believers. The eschatological hope promises a future free from all λύπη, where God Himself will wipe away every tear, establishing an eternal reign of joy and peace.
TRV