συστενάζω
systenázō
G4959 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To groan or sigh together, expressing shared pain, distress, or anguish; specifically, to utter mournful or agonized sounds in concert with others. In extended use, to experience mutual suffering, lamentation, or inner turmoil arising from a collective plight or crisis.
Semantic Range
to groan together, to sigh in unison, to collectively lament, to experience mutual suffering, to express shared inner distress
Root / Etymology
From the preposition σύν (with, together) and the verb στενάζω (to groan, sigh); thus, συστενάζω is a denominative verb formed by compounding, meaning 'to groan together with.' No evidence of an earlier or non-Greek source; the formation is transparent and native to Greek morphology.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The compound verb συστενάζω occurs rarely in extant Greek literature, but appears in Koine Greek (notably Romans 8:22) to describe collective or sympathetic groaning—often with a sense of inward, nonverbal suffering or distress shared by a group or creation as a whole. In Hellenistic usage, simple στενάζω can refer to audible or inaudible lamentation, but the addition of σύν strengthens the sense of community or mutuality. In Romans 8:22 (Pauline context), συστενάζω metaphorically conveys the idea of creation collectively yearning or suffering. English translation as 'groan together' or 'sigh with' is accurate, but may not fully communicate the depth of shared existential anguish implied. There is no attested theological or ritual nuance beyond the basic sense of suffering in concert; the term is thus primarily descriptive of emotional and physical pain shared by multiple entities.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σύν and στενάζω; to moan jointly, i.e. (figuratively) experience a common calamity:--groan together.
Root Family
στενάζω (systenázō) — to groan, to sigh, to lament
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4959-01 |
συνστενάζει | sunstenazei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
groans | groans together | groans together | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4959-01 |
Romans 8:22 | συνστενάζει | sunstenazei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
groans | groans together | groans together |