περίλυπος

very sorrowful

Definition

The adjective περίλυπος describes a state of being 'very sorrowful,' 'deeply grieved,' or 'exceedingly distressed.' It intensifies the basic idea of sorrow (λύπη) to denote an overwhelming, all-encompassing emotional pain. In the New Testament, it is used to depict profound personal anguish, as seen in Jesus' own experience in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:38, Mark 14:34), and the intense, regretful sorrow of the rich young ruler who could not part with his possessions (Luke 18:23-24). It also describes Herod's distress at being forced to execute John the Baptist (Mark 6:26), showing it can refer to a troubled state caused by external pressure or a moral dilemma.

Biblical Usage

περίλυπος appears five times in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke). It is consistently used in narratives involving intense personal crisis or moral conflict. It describes Jesus' agony before his arrest, highlighting the depth of his human suffering. It characterizes Herod's conflicted feelings when trapped by his own oath. Finally, it captures the rich ruler's internal struggle between his wealth and following Jesus, indicating a sorrow born of conviction and missed opportunity.

Etymology

The word is a compound adjective formed from the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around' or 'exceedingly,' and the root λυπ- (lyp-), from the noun λύπη (lypē, 'sorrow, grief, pain') and the related verb λυπέω (lypeō, 'to grieve'). The prefix περί acts as an intensifier, giving the sense of being 'surrounded by' or 'completely consumed with' grief. Thus, περίλυπος signifies a sorrow that is profound and pervasive.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it is used to describe the emotional state of Jesus Christ in his humanity. In Matthew 26:38 and Mark 14:34, Jesus tells his disciples he is 'περίλυπος, even to death,' revealing the true depth of his anguish in facing the cross. This underscores the doctrine of Christ's full humanity and his voluntary submission to profound suffering for the sake of redemption. Understanding this intense grief enriches our reading by highlighting the cost of salvation and the empathy of a Savior who has experienced deepest sorrow.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, expressions of grief and sorrow were often more public and demonstrative than in many modern cultures. A term denoting 'exceedingly sorrowful' would resonate with experiences of profound loss, shame, or moral failure that were understood to impact one's entire being. The usage in the Gospels aligns with this, depicting sorrow that is visibly distressing and spiritually consequential.

λύπη (lypē, G3077) — the noun for 'sorrow' or 'grief,' the root concept without the intensive prefix. | λυπέω (lypeō, G3076) — the verb 'to grieve' or 'to cause sorrow.' | σκυθρωπός (skythrōpos, G4659) — describes a gloomy, downcast countenance, focusing more on the outward appearance of sadness.

Word Details

Scripture References