2402. hidrós
Lexical Summary
hidrós: Sweat

Original Word: ἱδρώς
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: hidrós
Pronunciation: hee-DROCE
Phonetic Spelling: (hid-roce')
KJV: sweat
NASB: sweat
Word Origin: [a strengthened form of a primary idos (sweat)]

1. perspiration

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
sweat.

A strengthened form of a primary idos (sweat): perspiration -- sweat.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from idos (sweat)
Definition
sweat
NASB Translation
sweat (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2402: ἱδρώς

ἱδρώς, ἱδρῶτος, (allied with Latinsudor, English sweat; Curtius, § 283; from Homer down), sweat: Luke 22:44 (L brackets WH reject the passage; (Tr accents ἱδρώς, yet cf. Chandler § 667)).

Topical Lexicon
Term and Context

Ἱδρώς denotes physical perspiration. Scripture employs the term once, situating it within the climactic agony of Jesus Christ in Gethsemane. Although the noun itself is rare, the concept of sweat appears in both Testaments, framing human labor, fallenness, and redemptive suffering.

Canonical Occurrence

Luke 22:44: “And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.” This solitary use links perspiration to the Savior’s vicarious distress. Exegetically, Luke underscores the intensity of Christ’s intercession and submission to the Father’s will (Luke 22:42), preparing readers for the passion events that secure atonement.

Medical and Historical Insights

Ancient physicians such as Aristotle and later Galen recorded cases in which extreme stress caused hematidrosis—blood mingling with sweat. Luke, “the beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14), alone records the detail, lending medical credibility while accentuating the depth of Christ’s anguish. First-century readers familiar with Roman flogging and crucifixion would recognize sweat as a precursor to impending physical ordeal.

Theological Significance

1. Reversal of the Adamic Curse: Genesis 3:19 recalls the sweat of the brow as the mark of fallen toil. Christ, the “last Adam” (1 Corinthians 15:45), sweats in the garden on humanity’s behalf, prefiguring the reversal of the curse through His obedience (Romans 5:19).
2. Perfect Obedience under Pressure: Sweat evidences genuine humanity; the Incarnate Son experiences real physiological stress yet remains sinless, modeling submission (Hebrews 5:7–8).
3. Anticipation of Blood Atonement: The mingling imagery points forward to the literal shedding of blood on Calvary. Sweat that “became like drops of blood” bridges the garden’s private agony and the cross’s public sacrifice (Ephesians 1:7).

Intertextual Echoes and Symbolic Resonances

• Garden Motif: Adam’s sweat in Eden contrasts with Christ’s sweat in Gethsemane, highlighting the narrative arc from fall to redemption.
• Priestly Imagery: Priests in Ezekiel’s ideal temple were commanded, “They shall not gird themselves with anything that makes them sweat” (Ezekiel 44:18, LXX). The Messiah, however, bears sweat voluntarily, fulfilling the priestly role through suffering (Hebrews 4:14).
• Psalms of Distress: Compare Psalm 22:14–15, where the psalmist’s bodily dissolution anticipates Messianic suffering, reinforcing the authenticity of Luke’s description.

Practical Applications for Ministry

• Prayer under Duress: Jesus prays “more earnestly.” Pastoral counsel can encourage believers facing severe trials to intensify, not abandon, communion with God (Philippians 4:6–7).
• Empathy for Sufferers: The reality of Christ’s sweat assures congregants that the High Priest sympathizes with every weakness (Hebrews 4:15).
• Motivation for Service: Recognizing the cost of redemption spurs heartfelt worship and sacrificial ministry (2 Corinthians 5:14–15).

Patristic and Historical Reception

Church Fathers such as Justin Martyr and Augustine interpreted Luke 22:44 as evidence of genuine incarnation and exemplar of obedient passion. Medieval devotion, notably in the Stations of the Cross, preserved the garden scene to cultivate contemplative piety.

Conclusion

Although ἱδρώς appears only once, its placement at the pivot of salvation history grants profound doctrinal weight. The Savior’s sweat testifies to His true humanity, foreshadows His atoning blood, and assures believers of His compassionate solidarity amid every trial.

Forms and Transliterations
ιδρως ιδρώς ἱδρὼς ίδρωτι hidros hidrōs hidrṑs idros idrōs
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Luke 22:44 N-NMS
GRK: ἐγένετο ὁ ἱδρὼς αὐτοῦ ὡσεὶ
NAS: fervently; and His sweat became
KJV: and his sweat was as it were
INT: became the sweat of him as

Strong's Greek 2402
1 Occurrence


ἱδρὼς — 1 Occ.

2401
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