στυγνάζω
stygnázō
G4768 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To become gloomy or sullen in appearance or mood; to show a grim, disapproving, or downcast expression. In extended contexts, to appear troubled, saddened, or moved to visible emotional discomfort, whether through grief, displeasure, or shock.
Semantic Range
to become gloomy, to show a downcast or grim expression, to be sullen, to show aversion or distress, to become somber in mood or appearance
Root / Etymology
From the root στυγ- (stygn-), related to στυγνός (grim, hateful, gloomy). Cognate with ancient Greek στυγέω (to hate, abhor), linked to the concept of loathing or aversion, which can be reflected in one's appearance or mood.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Στυγνάζω is a rare verb, found primarily in Hellenistic and later Greek. Its earliest attestation is in Koine and post-classical Greek, with limited literary presence. In the New Testament (e.g., Mark 10:22), it describes a changed facial expression due to distress or dejection—specifically, the reaction of a man confronted by a difficult moral demand. The term can refer to both physical (facial) and emotional gloom. In Greek literature, related forms often signify a manifestation of loathing, revulsion, or profound sadness. English translations like 'to be sad,' 'to look downcast,' or 'to lower one's countenance' capture some but not all connotations—the term emphasizes not just sadness but a darker, sullen, or even resentful gloom that may border on aversion. It is distinct from more neutral words for sadness and carries a sense of a visible, almost physical, gloom or grimness.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as στυγνητός; to render gloomy, i.e. (by implication) glower (be overcast with clouds, or sombreness of speech):--lower, be sad.
Root Family
στυγνάζω (stygnazō) — to abhor, to be gloomy, to show aversion
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4768-01 |
στυγνάσας | stugnasas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
was saddened | having become gloomy | 1 |
G4768-02 |
στυγνάζων | stugnazon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
being gloomy | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4768-02 |
Matthew 16:3 | στυγνάζων | stugnazon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
being gloomy | |
G4768-01 |
Mark 10:22 | στυγνάσας | stugnasas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
was saddened | having become gloomy |