### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **stenázō**, represented by `{{G4727}}`, means to be in straits, and by implication to sigh, murmur, or groan. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. The term conveys a deep, internal expression of distress, longing, or displeasure, often expressed inaudibly as a sigh or a groan from being in straits.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4727}}` captures various forms of profound emotional expression. It is used to describe Jesus as he `sighed {{G4727}}` while looking to heaven before healing a man [[Mark 7:34]]. Believers are described as those who `groan {{G4727}}` within themselves while waiting for the redemption of the body [[Romans 8:23]]. This groaning is also linked to the burden of earthly existence, as believers `groan {{G4727}}` in their present "tabernacle" ([[2 Corinthians 5:2]], [[2 Corinthians 5:4]]). The word also carries a negative connotation, as believers are warned not to `grudge {{G4727}}` against one another [[James 5:9]]. Finally, it describes the undesirable outcome when spiritual leaders must carry out their duties with `grief {{G4727}}` instead of joy, a situation deemed unprofitable for the congregation [[Hebrews 13:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of `{{G4727}}`:
* `{{G916}}` **baréō** (to weigh down (figuratively)): This word is directly linked to groaning, explaining that believers `groan {{G4727}}` because they are `being burdened {{G916}}` in their earthly bodies [[2 Corinthians 5:4]].
* `{{G1971}}` **epipothéō** (to dote upon, i.e. intensely crave possession): This term is used alongside `stenázō` to express the reason for groaning, as believers `groan {{G4727}}`, `earnestly desiring {{G1971}}` their heavenly dwelling [[2 Corinthians 5:2]].
* `{{G5479}}` **chará** (cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight): This word is presented as the direct opposite of `stenázō`. Believers are to submit to their leaders so that the leaders' work may be done with `joy {{G5479}}` and not with `grief {{G4727}}` [[Hebrews 13:17]].
* `{{G5226}}` **hypeíkō** (to surrender): This term for submission is presented as the action believers must take to prevent causing their leaders to serve with `grief {{G4727}}` [[Hebrews 13:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4727}}` is demonstrated in several key themes:
* **Anticipation of Future Redemption:** Believers `groan {{G4727}}` not from despair, but from a hopeful waiting for "the redemption of our body" [[Romans 8:23]]. This groaning is a sign of being burdened by our mortal state while longing for what is to come [[2 Corinthians 5:4]].
* **Expression of Christ's Compassion:** The word is used to describe an action of Jesus himself, who `sighed {{G4727}}` before performing a healing, indicating a deep, non-verbal expression of empathy for human suffering [[Mark 7:34]].
* **A Warning in Community Life:** The act of groaning takes on a negative, relational meaning when used as `grudge {{G4727}}`, a behavior forbidden among brethren that can lead to condemnation [[James 5:9]].
* **An Indicator of Spiritual Health:** The groaning of a spiritual leader is a negative sign. Church members are instructed to `obey {{G3982}}` and `submit {{G5226}}` so that their leaders may serve with `joy {{G5479}}` and not with `grief {{G4727}}`, as the latter is "unprofitable" for them [[Hebrews 13:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4727}}` is a multifaceted word that captures a range of deep internal responses. It can signify the hopeful longing of a believer for heavenly redemption [[Romans 8:23]], the physical and spiritual burden of earthly life [[2 Corinthians 5:4]], the profound compassion of Jesus [[Mark 7:34]], and a negative relational strain to be avoided in the community ([[James 5:9]], [[Hebrews 13:17]]). It illustrates how a single expression of groaning can convey everything from holy anticipation to unprofitable grief.
TRV