### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **stenochōría**, represented by `{{G4730}}`, defines a state of calamity arising from a "narrowness of room." Figuratively, it denotes **anguish** or **distress**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, indicating a specific and potent application of the term to describe intense hardship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4730}}` is consistently found within lists of severe trials. It is presented as one of the many hardships that cannot separate believers from the love of Christ [[Romans 8:35]]. Paul also identifies **distresses** as part of the suffering he endures as a minister of God, along with afflictions and necessities [[2 Corinthians 6:4]]. He similarly lists **distresses** among the infirmities he takes pleasure in for Christ's sake, viewing them as an occasion for God's strength to be made manifest [[2 Corinthians 12:10]]. The word is also used to describe the consequence of sin, with **anguish** and tribulation promised upon every soul of man that does evil [[Romans 2:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help to contextualize the meaning of `{{G4730}}`:
* `{{G2347}}` **thlîpsis** (pressure (literally or figuratively):--afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble): This word is frequently paired directly with `{{G4730}}`, as in "Tribulation and anguish" [[Romans 2:9]] and in the list of trials in [[Romans 8:35]]. It emphasizes the external pressure that leads to distress.
* `{{G318}}` **anánkē** (constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress:--distress, must needs, (of) necessity(-sary), needeth, needful): Often translated as "necessities," this term appears alongside `{{G4730}}` in lists of ministerial hardships, highlighting a sense of constraint or unavoidable difficulty ([[2 Corinthians 6:4]], [[2 Corinthians 12:10]]).
* `{{G1375}}` **diōgmós** (from διώκω; persecution:--persecution): This term specifies a particular type of hardship, persecution, that is often found in the same context as `{{G4730}}`, showing that distress can arise from active opposition to one's faith ([[Romans 8:35]], [[2 Corinthians 12:10]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4730}}` is twofold, representing different aspects of divine and human experience.
* **A Test of Faith:** In the Pauline epistles, **distress** is framed as a trial that a faithful believer will endure. It is not a sign of God's abandonment but rather an affliction that is powerless to sever the bond of Christ's love [[Romans 8:35]]. It is also a mark of authentic ministry [[2 Corinthians 6:4]] and a context in which divine strength is perfected [[2 Corinthians 12:10]].
* **A Consequence of Sin:** The term is also used to describe the result of divine judgment. For the soul that does evil, **anguish** is an assured outcome, standing in stark contrast to the experience of the righteous [[Romans 2:9]].
* **A Component of Earthly Hardship:** By always appearing in lists, `{{G4730}}` is shown to be one component in a wide spectrum of suffering that includes persecution, famine, and peril.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4730}}` is more than a general term for trouble; it is a specific word describing profound **anguish** and **distress** stemming from confinement and calamitous circumstances. Its four appearances in scripture cast it in two distinct lights: as a hardship that tests the faithful and proves God's power, and as a righteous consequence for evil. The word powerfully illustrates that while distress is a reality of life, its ultimate meaning is determined by one's relationship to God.
TRV