Lexical Summary hidrós: Sweat Original Word: ἱδρώς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sweat. A strengthened form of a primary idos (sweat): perspiration -- sweat. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom idos (sweat) Definition sweat NASB Translation sweat (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2402: ἱδρώςἱδρώς, ἱδρῶτος, ὁ (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). 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. 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). 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 idrōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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