ἀναστενάζω
anastenázō
G389 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To groan or sigh deeply, typically as an audible and emotional expression of distress, sorrow, or intense feeling. The word indicates a stronger or more intense form of sighing or groaning than its root, often implying an inner agitation, lament, or response to suffering, bewilderment, or frustration. In some contexts, it can signal exasperation or a profound emotional struggle.
Semantic Range
to groan inwardly, to sigh deeply, to express distress or grief with a loud sigh, to utter an audible lamentation, to express exasperation or inward struggle
Root / Etymology
From ἀνά (up, again, intensifying prefix) and στενάζω (to sigh, groan). ἀναστενάζω thus means 'to groan or sigh deeply' or 'to sigh intensely.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in Koine Greek literature and the New Testament, ἀναστενάζω is a rare but expressive verb usually reserved for particularly weighty moments of distress or emotional tension. In the New Testament (e.g., Mark 7:34; 8:12), it describes Jesus experiencing or expressing deep emotional turmoil or compassion. The prefix ἀνά intensifies the root, distinguishing it from simple sighing (στενάζω) by depicting a stronger, more pronounced action. Classical attestations are rare; it is more typical of Hellenistic and Koine sources. English translations such as 'sigh deeply' or 'groan' convey the general sense but may not fully capture the intensity or emotional nuance implied in Greek, which can range from silent or speechless grief to audible lamentation. Notably, Stoic writers used similar terms for emotional responses difficult to articulate. Contrast with related verbs such as στενάζω (to sigh, groan) without the intensive prefix, which may denote a less intense act.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀνά and στενάζω; to sigh deeply:--sigh deeply.
Root Family
ἀναστενάζω (anastenazō) — to sigh intensely, to groan deeply, to utter a deep lament
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G389-01 |
ἀναστενάξας | anastenaxas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
sighing deeply | having groaned deeply | having groaned deeply | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G389-01 |
Mark 8:12 | ἀναστενάξας | anastenaxas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
sighing deeply | having groaned deeply | having groaned deeply |