### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4768 (στυγνάζω, transliterated as *stygnázō*) carries the core meaning of becoming gloomy, sad, or having one's countenance fall. The base definition suggests a connection to the root of στυγνητός (stygnētos), which implies something hateful or detestable, thus linking the gloominess to a sense of displeasure or aversion. Semantically, it ranges from an internal state of sorrow or deep sadness to its outward, visible manifestation. This can include a "glower" or a "lowering" of the brow, indicating displeasure, anger, or deep disappointment. The meteorological sense of being "overcast with clouds" further illustrates this, painting a picture of a darkened, heavy atmosphere, mirroring an internal state of distress or a visible expression of somberness. It describes a visible reaction to an unwelcome reality, often involving a change in facial expression.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G4768 (στυγνάζω) appears only once in the New Testament, making its singular occurrence particularly impactful and significant for its interpretation.
* **[[Mark 10:22]]**: "But at these words he was saddened, and he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." (ESV)
The Greek reads: "ὁ δὲ στυγνάσας ἐπὶ τῷ λόγῳ ἀπῆλθεν λυπούμενος ἔχων κτήματα πολλά."
Here, *stygnázō* describes the immediate, visible reaction of the rich young man to Jesus' radical call to sell all his possessions and follow Him. Translations often render it as "his face fell," "he was saddened," or "he looked displeased." The choice of this specific verb emphasizes not merely an internal feeling of sadness, but a visible change in his demeanor—his countenance darkened or became gloomy. This outward manifestation underscores the profound internal conflict and disappointment he experienced when confronted with a choice between his earthly wealth and radical discipleship. The subsequent phrase, "ἀπῆλθεν λυπούμενος" (he went away sorrowful), further confirms his internal state of grief, but στυγνάζω captures the initial, striking visual response. It signifies a visible manifestation of deep displeasure or sorrow, a countenance that visibly "fell" or "darkened" due to the unwelcome nature of Jesus' words.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of G4768 (στυγνάζω) intersects with several related concepts and words:
* **Sorrow and Grief:** The most direct conceptual link is to `{{G3077}}` (lypē), meaning "grief" or "sorrow," and its verbal form `{{G3076}}` (lypeō), "to grieve" or "be sad." In [[Mark 10:22]], στυγνάζω precedes and accompanies the rich young man's state of "being grieved" (λυπούμενος). While λυπούμενος describes his ongoing internal state, στυγνάζω highlights the immediate, visible reaction.
* **Displeasure and Anger:** The sense of "glower" or "lowering" the brow connects στυγνάζω to expressions of displeasure, which can border on anger, though it's typically more subdued than outright rage (e.g., `{{G3709}}` - orgizomai, "to be angry"). The underlying root connection to "hateful" or "detestable" (as in στυγνητός) further suggests a strong negative feeling or aversion.
* **Countenance and Appearance:** The visual aspect of στυγνάζω relates it to words describing facial expression or appearance, such as `{{G4383}}` (prosōpon), "face" or "countenance." The phrase "his countenance fell" is a common interpretive rendering, emphasizing the visible change in his face.
* **Darkness and Gloom:** The meteorological analogy of "overcast with clouds" links στυγνάζω to concepts of darkness (`{{G4655}}` - skotos) or a general sense of gloominess, reflecting an oppressive or foreboding atmosphere.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of G4768 (στυγνάζω) in [[Mark 10:22]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark visual and emotional indicator of the rich young man's spiritual state and the ultimate impediment to his discipleship.
1. **The Cost of Discipleship:** The visible sadness and fallen countenance (στυγνάζω) encapsulate the difficulty of surrendering worldly attachments for the sake of Christ. It highlights that true discipleship often demands a radical reordering of priorities, which can be deeply painful when wealth or status holds a central place in one's life.
2. **The Danger of Possessions:** The rich young man's reaction underscores the spiritual danger of great possessions. His στυγνάζω reveals that his wealth was not merely an external asset but an internal idol, preventing him from embracing the Kingdom of God fully. His sorrow was a direct consequence of his unwillingness to part with what he cherished more than Christ.
3. **Visible Manifestation of Spiritual State:** The word emphasizes that internal spiritual conditions often have outward, visible manifestations. The rich young man's στυγνάζω was not just a fleeting emotion but a visible sign of his spiritual resistance and the profound sorrow that accompanies a refusal to follow God's call wholeheartedly. It illustrates a deep-seated spiritual conflict made apparent on his face.
4. **Contrast with Joy in Christ:** Implicitly, στυγνάζω stands in stark contrast to the joy, peace, and freedom that characterize true discipleship and life in the Holy Spirit. The rich young man's choice led to gloom and sorrow, while those who truly follow Christ, even through hardship, are promised a hundredfold in this life and eternal life in the age to come ([[Mark 10:29-30]]).
### Summary
G4768 (στυγνάζω) is a poignant Greek verb that describes a state of visible gloom, sadness, or displeasure, often manifested as a "fallen" or "darkened" countenance. Its single, yet highly significant, appearance in [[Mark 10:22]] powerfully illustrates the rich young man's reaction to Jesus' call for radical discipleship. His στυγνάζω visually conveys the profound sorrow and internal conflict arising from his unwillingness to relinquish his great possessions for the sake of following Christ. Theologically, this word highlights the spiritual impediment that wealth can pose, the high cost of true discipleship, and the visible manifestation of a heart unwilling to fully surrender to God's will. It serves as a solemn reminder that prioritizing earthly treasures can lead to a visible state of gloom and a turning away from the path to eternal life.
TRV