σκυθρωπός
skythrōpós
G4659 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having a gloomy, sullen, or downcast expression; characterized by a somber or morose appearance, especially of the face or countenance. The word indicates external features reflecting internal distress, sadness, or discontent, often visible through the eyes or facial disposition. Contextually, may refer to those appearing saddened, visibly troubled, or affected by inner sorrow.
Semantic Range
gloomy-faced, sullen-looking, downcast in appearance, showing visible signs of sadness or distress, having a mournful countenance
Root / Etymology
From the root σκυθρ- (gloom, sullen) of uncertain further origin, combined with -ωπός, a derivative of ὤψ (eye, face, appearance). Thus, the word describes someone with a somber or gloomy appearance.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Prime attestation of σκυθρωπός is found in late classical and Hellenistic Greek, as well as in the New Testament (notably Luke 24:17). It typically describes someone whose facial features express sorrow, perturbation, or inner gloom. The use in Koine texts, including the New Testament, emphasizes visible evidence of inward grief, disappointment, or unsettlement. This word is rarer than more general terms for sadness (λύπη, πένθος), focusing specifically on outward, visible signs rather than internal emotion alone. In LXX and extrabiblical Hellenistic literature, σκυθρωπός sometimes connotes not just sadness but also withdrawal or aloofness, especially when distinguished from joyful or open expressions. English translations ('sad countenance,' 'gloomy') often under-translate the specific focus on facial appearance and visible demeanor.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (sullen) and a derivative of ὀπτάνομαι; angry-visaged, i.e. gloomy or affecting a mournful appearance:--of a sad countenance.
Root Family
σκυθρ- (skythrōpós) — gloomy, sullen, downcast
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4659-01 |
σκυθρωποί | skuthropoi | ADJ.A NOM M PL |
gloomy | gloomy-faced ones | gloomy-faced ones | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4659-01 |
Matthew 6:16 | σκυθρωποί | skuthropoi | ADJ.A NOM M PL |
gloomy | gloomy-faced ones | gloomy-faced ones |
G4659-01 |
Luke 24:17 | σκυθρωποί | skuthropoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
sad | gloomy-faced ones | gloomy-faced ones |