ἀδημονέω
I am troubled, distressed
Definition
The verb ἀδημονέω describes a state of deep emotional distress, often involving anxiety, dread, or being overwhelmed. In the Gospels, it depicts Jesus's profound anguish in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:37, Mark 14:33), a distress so severe it is linked with his soul being 'overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.' In Philippians 2:26, it describes Epaphroditus's distress not primarily over his own illness, but over the Philippian church's worry for him, showing it can also encompass empathetic concern for others.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only three times in the New Testament, always in deeply personal, relational contexts. Twice it describes Jesus's emotional state before his arrest, highlighting his fully human experience of anguish. In Philippians 2:26, it describes the mutual care and distress within the Christian community, showing the word can express concern for others' distress as well as one's own.
Etymology
The etymology is uncertain but is traditionally understood as coming from the alpha-privative ἀ- (meaning 'not' or 'without') and a conjectured root related to *dēmos* (people), suggesting a sense of being 'away from home' or 'displaced,' which metaphorically evolved into a state of inner turmoil and distress.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it captures the depth of Jesus's human suffering in Gethsemane, affirming his full humanity and the real cost of his obedience. In Philippians, it models deep, empathetic concern within the body of Christ. Understanding this specific Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the intense, personal nature of the distress described, which goes beyond general sadness.
In ancient Greek thought, such intense emotional distress was often viewed as a weakness or a lack of rational control. The New Testament's use, especially for Jesus, reclaims this experience as a valid and profound part of the human condition, particularly in contexts of impending suffering or deep relational care.
λυπέω (lypeō, G3076) — a broader term for grief or sorrow. ταράσσω (tarassō, G5015) — to stir up, trouble, or disturb, often with a sense of agitation. ἀσθενέω (astheneō, G770) — to be weak or sick, sometimes overlapping in contexts of distress from illness.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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