στεναγμός
stenagmós
G4726 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A deep audible expression of distress, anguish, or weariness (sigh, groan); refers to the act or sound of groaning/sighing, typically as an involuntary response to pain, suffering, or emotional burden. Also extends to any audible sign of grief or complaint.
Semantic Range
groaning, sighing, audible sign of distress, expression of pain, audible lament, complaint
Root / Etymology
From the verb στενάζω (to groan, to sigh), itself related to the root στεν- expressing narrowness, constriction, or oppression, conveying the sense of physical or emotional pressure.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek and Hellenistic literature, στεναγμός denotes the sound or act of groaning or sighing, most often accompanying heavy emotion, pain, or lamentation. It is used both for involuntary groans caused by physical suffering and more intentional sighs associated with deep sorrow or longing. In the Septuagint, στεναγμός translates several Hebrew terms for groaning or lament (such as אָנְחָה [ʾanḥāh]), especially in lament or penitential contexts (e.g., Psalms, Lamentations), conveying personal or communal anguish. In the New Testament (notably Romans 8:26), it refers to nonverbal expressions of heartfelt distress or longing, often in the context of prayer, suffering, or anticipation for relief or redemption. The term retains a strong focus on the audible aspect of distress—emphasizing the physical reality of suffering. Standard English Bibles translate it as 'groaning', 'sighing', or 'lament', but these may not fully capture the word's connotation of deep, physical, sometimes involuntary utterance arising from extreme feeling or hardship. The term is distinct from related words such as θρήνος (threnos, 'lamentation') or ὀδυρμός (odurmos, 'mourning, wailing'), which have a more public or formal sense, whereas στεναγμός can be a private, even wordless, expression. The semantic field overlaps with, but does not precisely match, later Christian theological uses of 'groaning', as in Pauline eschatology.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from στενάζω; a sigh:--groaning.
Root Family
στεναγμός (stenagmos) — groaning, sighing, audible expression of distress, lament, complaint
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4726-02 |
στεναγμοῦ | stenagmou | N GEN M SG |
groaning | of groaning | groaning | 1 |
G4726-01 |
στεναγμοῖς | stenagmois | N DAT M PL |
with groanings | to groanings | with groanings | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4726-02 |
Acts 7:34 | στεναγμοῦ | stenagmou | N GEN M SG |
groaning | of groaning | groaning |
G4726-01 |
Romans 8:26 | στεναγμοῖς | stenagmois | N DAT M PL |
with groanings | to groanings | with groanings |