The Greek word syllypéō, represented by G4818, means to afflict jointly or, in its passive form, to be grieved on account of someone. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, making its single usage highly significant.
The sole appearance of G4818 is in Mark 3:5. In this account, Jesus encounters a man with a withered hand. He looked round about on them with anger Mark 3:5, being grieved for the hardness G4457 of their hearts G2588. His profound sorrow is a direct response to their spiritual callousness in the face of human need and divine power. This emotion precedes the miraculous healing, as Jesus then commands the man G444 to stretch forth his hand G5495, and it was restored G600 whole G5199 Mark 3:5.
Several related words from its context illuminate the meaning of G4818:
- G3709 orgḗ (anger): This word for wrath or indignation is paired directly with Jesus's grief, showing a complex and righteous emotional response Mark 3:5.
- G4457 pṓrōsis (hardness): Defined as stupidity or callousness, this is the specific reason for Jesus being grieved Mark 3:5. It is also used to describe the spiritual blindness of Israel Romans 11:25.
- G2588 kardía (heart): This refers to the center of thoughts and feelings. The hardness was not intellectual but a deep-seated spiritual condition of their hearts Mark 3:5.
- G600 apokathístēmi (restored): Meaning to reconstitute, this is the action that follows Jesus's grief and anger, showing his ultimate purpose is restoration, not just judgment Mark 3:5.
The theological weight of G4818 is significant despite its single use.
- Divine Sorrow: The use of G4818 reveals that Jesus experiences deep, personal sorrow in response to human sin. His grief is not a detached disappointment but a shared affliction over spiritual stubbornness.
- Grief over Hardness of Heart: Jesus is grieved specifically because of the hardness of their hearts Mark 3:5. This highlights that a state of spiritual callousness and unbelief is profoundly grievous to God.
- Emotion and Action: Jesus's grief, combined with anger G3709, does not paralyze Him. Instead, it immediately precedes a powerful act of healing. This shows that His sorrow coexists with His restorative and redemptive power Mark 3:5.
In summary, G4818 offers a rare and poignant glimpse into the emotional life of Christ. Though used only once, it powerfully conveys that Jesus feels a deep, personal sorrow in response to the hardness of the human heart. This grief, paired with righteous anger, does not lead to inaction but instead precedes a powerful act of restoration, highlighting the compassionate and redemptive nature of God.
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