from περί and λύπη; grieved all around, i.e. intensely sad:--exceeding (very) sorry(-owful).
Transliteration:perílypos
Pronunciation:per-il'-oo-pos
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term περίλυπος (perílypos, `{{G4036}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition περί (peri, `{{G4012}}`) and the noun λύπη (lypē, `{{G3077}}`). The prefix περί typically denotes "around," "about," or "concerning," but when used as an intensifier, it conveys a sense of "exceedingly," "all around," or "completely encompassed by." The root λύπη signifies "grief," "sorrow," "pain," or "distress."
Therefore, περίλυπος conveys a profound, overwhelming, or all-encompassing sorrow. It suggests a state where grief is not merely present but saturates the individual, surrounding them completely, leading to an intense and soul-deep sadness. It is a sorrow that goes beyond ordinary sadness, reaching a level of extreme emotional distress, often to the point of being life-threatening or debilitating. The English translations "exceeding sorrowful" or "very sorrowful" attempt to capture this profound intensity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
περίλυπος appears in the New Testament in three significant instances, two of which describe the same pivotal moment in the life of Jesus, and one describing a human reaction to a divine command.
1. **Jesus in Gethsemane:**
* [[Matthew 26:38]]: "Then he said to them, 'My soul is περίλυπος to the point of death; remain here, and keep watch with me.'"
* [[Mark 14:34]]: "And he said to them, 'My soul is περίλυπος to the point of death; remain here and watch.'"
In both accounts, Jesus uses περίλυπος to describe His emotional state in the Garden of Gethsemane, just hours before His crucifixion. The phrase "to the point of death" (ἕως θανάτου) further intensifies the meaning, indicating a sorrow so profound it threatened to overwhelm His very life. This was not merely fear of physical suffering, but a deep spiritual anguish rooted in the impending burden of the world's sin and the anticipated separation from the Father. It reveals the full humanity of Christ, experiencing raw, overwhelming grief in the face of His atoning mission.
2. **The Rich Young Ruler:**
* [[Luke 18:23]]: "But when he heard these things, he became περίλυπος, for he was very rich."
Here, περίλυπος describes the rich young ruler's reaction to Jesus' command to sell all his possessions and follow Him. His sorrow was profound because his identity, security, and hope were deeply intertwined with his wealth. The command struck at the very core of his life, demanding a sacrifice he was unwilling to make. His sorrow, while intense, stands in stark contrast to Christ's; it is a human sorrow born of attachment to worldly things, rather than the divine sorrow of bearing the weight of sin.
These occurrences demonstrate that περίλυπος is reserved for moments of extreme emotional impact, whether in the context of divine redemptive suffering or profound human attachment to temporal possessions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of περίλυπος is enriched by examining its relationship with other Greek terms related to sorrow, suffering, and distress:
* **λύπη (lypē, `{{G3077}}`):** As the root word, λύπη denotes general grief or sorrow. περίλυπος is an intensified form of λύπη, indicating a sorrow that is not merely present but overwhelming and pervasive.
* **ἀγωνία (agōnia, `{{G74}}`):** Found in [[Luke 22:44]] also describing Jesus in Gethsemane, ἀγωνία refers to intense mental struggle, anguish, or agony, often implying a struggle to the death. περίλυπος describes the *state* of profound sorrow, while ἀγωνία describes the *struggle* or internal conflict arising from that sorrow. They are complementary in depicting Christ's suffering.
* **θλῖψις (thlipsis, `{{G2347}}`):** This term signifies affliction, tribulation, or pressure. While περίλυπος describes an internal emotional state, θλῖψις often refers to external circumstances or pressures that can *cause* or contribute to deep sorrow.
* **ὀδύνη (odynē, `{{G3601}}`):** Meaning "pain" or "anguish," ὀδύνη can refer to both physical and emotional suffering. Like λύπη, it describes a painful state, but περίλυπος emphasizes the *degree* and *pervasiveness* of that pain.
* **πένθος (penthos, `{{G3997}}`):** This word denotes mourning, often with a sense of lamentation or outward expression of grief, particularly for the dead. While related to sorrow, περίλυπος focuses more on the internal, soul-deep experience rather than its public expression.
### Theological Significance
The use of περίλυπος carries profound theological weight, particularly in its application to Jesus Christ:
1. **The Full Humanity of Christ:** Jesus' declaration in Gethsemane, "My soul is περίλυπος to the point of death," powerfully affirms His genuine humanity. He was not a stoic or unfeeling deity, but one who fully entered into the human experience of suffering, including the most profound emotional anguish. This sorrow was not feigned but a real, soul-crushing burden, demonstrating His identification with suffering humanity.
2. **The Nature of the Atonement:** Christ's περίλυπος in Gethsemane is integral to His atoning work. It was not merely the physical pain of the cross that constituted the atonement, but the spiritual agony of bearing the world's sin, facing the Father's wrath, and experiencing a profound sense of abandonment. This intense sorrow underscores the immense cost of redemption and the depth of Christ's love and obedience. It highlights that the suffering began even before the crucifixion itself.
3. **Christ's Empathy for Sufferers:** Because Jesus Himself experienced περίλυπος, He is uniquely able to sympathize with human sorrow and grief. He understands the depths of human pain, making Him a compassionate High Priest who can intercede for those who suffer (cf. [[Hebrews 4:15]]).
4. **The Cost of Discipleship and Idolatry:** The rich young ruler's περίλυπος serves as a potent theological warning. His profound sorrow reveals the grip of idolatry (love of wealth) and the difficulty of surrendering earthly comforts for the sake of the Kingdom. It illustrates that true discipleship often demands radical sacrifice, and clinging to worldly treasures can lead to deep spiritual sorrow when confronted with divine truth.
### Summary
περίλυπος (perílypos, `{{G4036}}`) denotes an overwhelming, intense, or all-encompassing sorrow. This powerful term is used sparingly in the New Testament, reserved for moments of profound emotional distress. Its most significant occurrences describe Jesus' soul-deep anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, underscoring His full humanity, the immense cost of the atonement, and His ultimate empathy for human suffering. It also captures the profound sorrow of the rich young ruler, highlighting the spiritual cost of idolatry and the demands of true discipleship. The word thus conveys a sorrow so pervasive it threatens one's very being, whether in the context of divine redemptive suffering or the human struggle with earthly attachments.
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