### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἀδημονέω (`{{G85}}`), transliterated *adēmonéō*, conveys a profound state of mental distress, an overwhelming heaviness, or an oppressive anguish. Its etymological root is often linked to a concept of being "sated to loathing" or "wearied out," suggesting an extreme, almost unbearable burden that saturates the mind. This is not merely sadness or grief, but an intense, often suffocating, emotional turmoil that can border on despair or a sense of being utterly overwhelmed by circumstances or impending doom. The English translations "be full of heaviness" and "be very heavy" aptly capture this profound internal struggle and the oppressive weight experienced. It denotes a state of profound disquietude, a deep agitation of the soul that is difficult to bear.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀδημονέω (`{{G85}}`) appears in the New Testament in three significant passages, each shedding light on its intense meaning:
* **[[Matthew 26:37]]**: "And taking with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and *very heavy*."
* **[[Mark 14:33]]**: "And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and He began to be sore amazed, and to be *very heavy*."
* **[[Philippians 2:26]]**: "For he was longing for you all and was *distressed* because you had heard that he was ill."
In [[Matthew 26:37]] and [[Mark 14:33]], *adēmonéō* describes the profound mental anguish of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. This is a moment of intense internal struggle as He contemplates the cup of suffering that awaits Him. The term underscores the depth of His human experience, revealing that His agony was not solely physical but began as an overwhelming burden on His soul. In Mark's account, it is paired with `{{G1607}}` *ekthambeō* ("to be amazed, astonished, terrified"), further emphasizing the extremity of His distress, suggesting an overwhelming dread and a sense of being utterly crushed by the impending ordeal. This use highlights the unique weight of the world's sin that He was about to bear, an internal suffering that preceded and was integral to His physical crucifixion.
In [[Philippians 2:26]], the term describes Paul's concern for Epaphroditus and, by extension, for the Philippian believers. Paul states that Epaphroditus was *distressed* (*adēmonéō*) because the Philippians had heard of his illness. Here, the word signifies a deep, empathetic concern and anxiety for others. Epaphroditus was not distressed for himself, but for the effect his illness had on the Philippians, indicating a profound self-sacrificial love and a burden for the well-being of the community. This demonstrates the word's applicability beyond existential dread, extending to the deep interpersonal and pastoral burdens experienced in Christian fellowship.
### Related Words & Concepts
*Adēmonéō* (`{{G85}}`) is closely related to, yet distinct from, several other Greek terms describing emotional states:
* **`{{G3076}}` *lypeō*** (to be grieved, sorrowful): While *lypeō* denotes general sorrow, *adēmonéō* implies a more intense, oppressive, and overwhelming mental anguish.
* **`{{G4659}}` *skotizo*** (to be darkened, confused): This can describe a mental state of confusion or spiritual blindness, but *adēmonéō* emphasizes the burden and distress rather than just lack of clarity.
* **`{{G2659}}` *kataponeō*** (to be oppressed, distressed): Similar in outcome, but *adēmonéō* specifically points to the internal, mental nature of the distress.
* **`{{G1607}}` *ekthambeō*** (to be amazed, astonished, terrified): Used alongside *adēmonéō* in [[Mark 14:33]], suggesting a combination of overwhelming dread, terror, and profound internal distress.
Conceptually, *adēmonéō* stands in stark contrast to states of peace (`{{G1515}}` *eirēnē*), joy (`{{G5479}}` *chara*), or comfort (`{{G3874}}` *paraklēsis*). It is intrinsically linked to themes of agony, suffering, temptation, human frailty, and the immense burden of sin or empathetic concern.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *adēmonéō* (`{{G85}}`) is profound, particularly in its application to Christ:
* **The Full Humanity of Christ:** The use of *adēmonéō* to describe Jesus' state in Gethsemane is a powerful testament to His full humanity. He was not a stoic, impassive deity but one who genuinely experienced the depths of human mental and emotional suffering. This vulnerability makes His sacrifice all the more real and His empathy for human suffering all the more profound. It demonstrates that He truly "suffered" in every sense, not just physically, but in His very soul.
* **The Weight of Sin and Divine Wrath:** Jesus' *adēmonéō* in Gethsemane points to the immense, crushing weight of the sin of the world that He was about to bear. It was not merely the fear of physical pain, but the spiritual agony of being made sin ([[2 Corinthians 5:21]]) and enduring the full measure of divine wrath against sin. This internal anguish underscores the unfathomable cost of redemption.
* **Empathy and Pastoral Burden in the Church:** Paul's use of *adēmonéō* regarding Epaphroditus in [[Philippians 2:26]] highlights the depth of Christian empathy and the burden believers can feel for the suffering of others. It speaks to the pastoral heart that genuinely shares in the distress of the flock and is burdened by their struggles. This reflects the call to "bear one another's burdens" ([[Galatians 6:2]]).
* **Solidarity in Suffering:** While Jesus' suffering was unique in its redemptive purpose, the concept of *adēmonéō* can resonate with believers who experience profound mental distress, spiritual anguish, or overwhelming burdens. It offers a sense of solidarity, reminding them that their Lord also knew such depths of emotional turmoil, and thus can truly sympathize with their weaknesses ([[Hebrews 4:15]]).
### Summary
*Adēmonéō* (`{{G85}}`) denotes a state of intense, oppressive mental distress, an overwhelming heaviness of mind, or profound anguish. Its etymology suggests being "sated to loathing," indicating an unbearable burden. Most notably, this term describes Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane ([[Matthew 26:37]], [[Mark 14:33]]), powerfully affirming His full humanity and the immense spiritual weight of the world's sin that He bore in anticipation of the cross. This revealed an internal suffering that was as real and profound as His physical crucifixion. Beyond Christ's unique experience, the use of *adēmonéō* in [[Philippians 2:26]] illustrates a deep, empathetic concern, where Paul describes Epaphroditus's distress over the Philippians' knowledge of his illness, highlighting the burden of compassionate care within the Christian community. Thus, *adēmonéō* illuminates both the unparalleled suffering of the Savior and the profound capacity for human anguish and selfless love.
TRV