### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συλλυπέω (syllypéō, `{{G4818}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb λυπέω (lypeō, `{{G3076}}`), meaning "to cause pain" or "to grieve." Therefore, its core meaning is "to grieve with," "to be jointly afflicted," or "to sorrow together." In its passive form, as it appears in the New Testament, it conveys the sense of being deeply grieved or sorrowful *at* or *on account of* someone or something. The prefix σύν intensifies the emotional depth, suggesting a profound empathy or a sorrow that identifies with the condition of another, or a sorrow experienced *in relation to* a group or situation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συλλυπέω (syllypéō, `{{G4818}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Mark:
* **[[Mark 3:5]]**: "And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.' And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other."
In this singular occurrence, the subject of the grief is Jesus Christ Himself. The context is a synagogue setting where Jesus encounters a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. The Pharisees and Herodians are present, watching Him closely, seeking an accusation against Him for healing on the Sabbath. Jesus, perceiving their malicious intent and spiritual insensitivity, looks at them "with anger" (μετ’ ὀργῆς) and simultaneously is "being grieved" (συλλυπούμενος) by "the hardness of their hearts" (τῇ πωρώσει τῆς καρδίας αὐτῶν).
This passage reveals a profound and complex emotional response from Jesus. His anger is righteous indignation against their hypocrisy and callous disregard for human suffering and divine compassion. His grief, expressed by συλλυπέω, is not merely sadness but a deep sorrow arising from their spiritual blindness and stubborn resistance to God's will and truth. It is a sorrow *for* them, seeing their self-imposed spiritual imprisonment. The word here underscores Jesus' profound empathy and sorrow over human sin and spiritual insensitivity, even as it evokes righteous anger. It is a grief that stems from seeing the tragic consequences of a hardened heart.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding συλλυπέω (syllypéō, `{{G4818}}`) is enhanced by examining its constituent parts and related concepts:
* **λυπέω (lypeō, `{{G3076}}`)**: The base verb, meaning "to grieve," "to sadden," "to cause pain." This is the fundamental emotion. συλλυπέω adds the dimension of shared or deeply empathetic grief.
* **σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`)**: The prefix, indicating "with," "together," "jointly." While Jesus' grief in [[Mark 3:5]] is His own, the prefix suggests a grief that is deeply connected to or experienced *in relation to* others' spiritual state, almost as if sharing in the sorrowful consequences of their actions.
* **ὀργή (orgē, `{{G3709}}`)**: "Anger," "wrath." In [[Mark 3:5]], συλλυπέω is juxtaposed with ὀργή, showing that Jesus' emotional response was multifaceted. His anger was directed at the sin, while His grief was directed at the state of those committing it. This combination highlights a divine pathos that is both just and compassionate.
* **πώρωσις (pōrōsis, `{{G4456}}`)**: "Hardness," "callousness," "blindness." This is the direct cause of Jesus' grief in [[Mark 3:5]]. It refers to a spiritual insensitivity and inability to perceive divine truth, often a result of deliberate resistance. The concept of a "hardened heart" is a recurring theme in both the Old Testament (e.g., Pharaoh's heart in Exodus) and the New Testament (e.g., [[Romans 11:25]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular use of συλλυπέω (syllypéō, `{{G4818}}`) in [[Mark 3:5]] holds profound theological significance:
1. **Jesus' Full Humanity and Divine Pathos**: This verse powerfully demonstrates the true humanity of Jesus. He is not an impassive deity but one who experiences deep, complex emotions—righteous anger against sin and profound grief over the spiritual condition of humanity. This grief reflects a divine pathos, a sorrow in God's heart over human rebellion and self-inflicted spiritual blindness. It reveals a God who is deeply invested in the spiritual well-being of His creation and grieved by their rejection of His grace.
2. **The Nature of Sin and Unbelief**: The "hardness of heart" is presented as a condition that elicits divine sorrow. It is not merely an intellectual disagreement but a spiritual state of resistance that grieves the very heart of God. This highlights the destructive power of unbelief and spiritual stubbornness, not just for the individual but in its impact on the Divine-human relationship.
3. **A Model for Believers**: Jesus' response offers a paradigm for believers. While we are called to stand against sin with righteous indignation, we are also called to feel profound grief and compassion for those trapped in spiritual darkness. Our engagement with a sinful world should be marked by both truth and love, firmness against evil, and sorrow for the lost.
### Summary
συλλυπέω (syllypéō, `{{G4818}}`) signifies a deep, empathetic sorrow or grief, meaning "to grieve with" or "to be deeply sorrowful concerning." Its sole occurrence in [[Mark 3:5]] is highly significant, revealing Jesus' profound emotional response—a combination of righteous anger and deep grief—to the "hardness of heart" displayed by His adversaries. This unique term underscores Jesus' full humanity, demonstrating His capacity for both indignation against sin and a compassionate sorrow for those spiritually lost. Theologically, it illuminates the divine pathos, revealing a God who is deeply grieved by human unbelief and spiritual resistance, and provides a model for believers to respond to sin with both conviction and compassion.
TRV