### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ὀδυνάω (odynáō, `{{G3600}}`) is derived directly from the noun ὀδύνη (odynē, `{{G3601}}`), which denotes "pain," "anguish," "distress," or "sorrow." Consequently, ὀδυνάω fundamentally signifies the experience or infliction of such intense suffering. Its semantic range extends to "grieve," "sorrow," "torment," and "be in anguish." The verb can be used in both active and passive senses: actively, to cause pain or torment; and passively or in the middle voice, to experience deep pain, distress, or anguish oneself. This pain is not limited to physical discomfort but profoundly encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual agony, indicating a comprehensive and severe form of suffering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ὀδυνάω (odynáō, `{{G3600}}`) appears in the New Testament in contexts that vividly illustrate its meaning of intense suffering:
* **[[Luke 16:24]]**: In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man, in Hades, cries out to Abraham, "send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am tormented (ὀδυνῶμαι) in this flame." Here, the verb is in the passive voice, depicting an excruciating and ongoing state of suffering in the afterlife. The torment is multifaceted, involving both the physical agony of the flame and the spiritual anguish of his condition.
* **[[Acts 20:38]]**: During Paul's emotional farewell to the Ephesian elders, Luke records that they were "sorrowing (ὀδυνώμενοι) most of all for the word which he spake, that they should see his face no more." In this context, ὀδυνάω describes a profound emotional grief and sorrow experienced by the elders. It is a deep, heartfelt sadness resulting from the impending separation from their beloved apostle, highlighting the pain of relational loss.
* **[[Revelation 12:2]]**: Describing the symbolic "woman" (often interpreted as Israel or the church) who is about to give birth, the text states she "cried out, being in labor and in pain (ὀδυνωμένη) to give birth." This usage refers to the intense physical pain and distress associated with childbirth. While primarily physical, it also carries the emotional weight of a momentous and difficult event, symbolizing the arduous process preceding a significant spiritual or eschatological birth.
Across these occurrences, ὀδυνάω consistently conveys a severe and acute form of distress, whether it be the torment of eternal judgment, the anguish of separation, or the agony of physical labor.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ὀδυνάω (odynáō, `{{G3600}}`) is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **Root Noun:** ὀδύνη (odynē, `{{G3601}}`): This is the direct source noun, meaning "pain," "anguish," or "sorrow." The verb ὀδυνάω is "from ὀδύνη," indicating that the verb describes the experience or cause of the noun's meaning.
* **Synonyms and Related Concepts:**
* λύπη (lypē, `{{G3077}}`): "Sorrow," "grief," "pain." While similar, ὀδύνη and ὀδυνάω often suggest a more intense or acute form of suffering than λύπη.
* θλῖψις (thlipsis, `{{G2347}}`): "Tribulation," "affliction," "distress," "pressure." This term often emphasizes external pressures or hardships that cause suffering.
* πένθος (penthos, `{{G3997}}`): "Mourning," "lamentation," often associated with death and deep grief.
* βάσανος (basanos, `{{G931}}`): "Torment," "torture." This noun can refer to the instrument or process of torment, while ὀδυνάω describes the *experience* of being tormented.
* **Antonyms/Opposite Concepts:** The antithesis of ὀδυνάω includes words such as χαρά (chara, `{{G5479}}`, "joy"), εὐφροσύνη (euphrosynē, `{{G2167}}`, "gladness"), εἰρήνη (eirēnē, `{{G1515}}`, "peace"), and παράκλησις (paraklēsis, `{{G3874}}`, "comfort" or "encouragement").
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of ὀδυνάω (odynáō, `{{G3600}}`) are profound:
* **The Reality of Suffering:** The word underscores the pervasive and deep reality of suffering in the human experience—be it physical, emotional, or spiritual. It acknowledges the anguish that stems from a fallen world, sin, and separation.
* **Divine Judgment and Consequence:** In [[Luke 16:24]], the rich man's ὀδυνάω serves as a stark and sobering depiction of divine judgment and the consequences of an unrepentant life. It emphasizes that eternal separation from God is accompanied by profound and inescapable torment, a comprehensive suffering of body, mind, and soul.
* **The Depth of Christian Fellowship:** The elders' sorrow in [[Acts 20:38]] highlights the genuine and deep emotional bonds within the early Christian community. Their ὀδυνάω at Paul's departure speaks to the intensity of their love and attachment, underscoring the value of spiritual relationships and the pain inherent in their disruption.
* **Redemptive Suffering and Eschatological Hope:** The pain of the "woman in labor" in [[Revelation 12:2]] can be understood as a symbolic representation of the church's arduous struggle and suffering (birth pangs) that precedes the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. This suggests that some forms of ὀδυνάω are purposeful, leading to new life and redemptive outcomes. Ultimately, the very existence of such a strong word for pain in the biblical narrative points to the glorious promise of a future where God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more pain, sorrow, or crying ([[Revelation 21:4]]). This provides believers with a powerful hope that the current experience of ὀδυνάω is temporary and will be utterly superseded by eternal joy and peace in God's presence.
### Summary
The Greek verb ὀδυνάω (odynáō, `{{G3600}}`), stemming from ὀδύνη (odynē, `{{G3601}}`), precisely conveys the concept of profound pain, anguish, and torment. Its usage in the New Testament illustrates various facets of suffering: the eternal torment of the unrighteous ([[Luke 16:24]]), the deep emotional sorrow of parting among believers ([[Acts 20:38]]), and the intense physical pain of childbirth ([[Revelation 12:2]]). Theologically, ὀδυνάω serves as a stark reminder of the reality of human suffering, the severe consequences of sin, and the depth of love within the Christian community. Moreover, it subtly points to the redemptive nature of certain forms of suffering and, most importantly, directs our hope towards the eschatological promise of God's ultimate victory over all pain and sorrow.
TRV