Lexical Summary skuthrópos: Sullen, gloomy, downcast Original Word: σκυθρωπός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sad, gloomyFrom skuthros (sullen) and a derivative of optanomai; angry-visaged, i.e. Gloomy or affecting a mournful appearance -- of a sad countenance. see GREEK optanomai HELPS Word-studies 4659 skythrōpós (from skythros, "gloomy" and ops, "countenance") – properly, grim-faced, looking sad, dejected (downcast, WP); (figuratively) the strain and struggle that goes with doing God's will in our way (like King Saul of the OT). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom skuthros (sullen) and óps (eye) Definition with a gloomy look NASB Translation gloomy face (1), looking sad (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4659: σκυθρωπόςσκυθρωπός, σκυθρωπόν, also of three term.; cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 105 (Winer's Grammar, § 11, 1) (σκυθρός and ὤψ), of a sad and gloomy countenance (opposed to φαιδρός, Xenophon, mem. 3, 10, 4): Luke 24:17; of one who feigns or affects a sad countenance, Matthew 6:16. (Genesis 40:7; Sir. 25:23; Greek writings from Aeschylus down.) Topical Lexicon Word and Concept Overview σκυθρωπός describes a face clouded by gloom or melancholy. In Scripture it portrays a somber appearance that issues either from contrived religiosity or from genuine disappointment and hopelessness. The term therefore serves as a window into the inner life: false devotion is unmasked by artificial sadness, while true sorrow reveals hearts needing the risen Christ. Scriptural Occurrences 1. Matthew 6:16 – the Lord cautions against a showy piety that parades sorrow: “When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites…”. The Gloom of Hypocritical Religion In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus contrasts secret devotion with ostentatious fasting. The hypocrites manufacture a σκυθρωπός countenance to harvest human applause. Their reward is limited to temporal recognition because their grief is staged, not Godward. The warning exposes any discipline—fasting, giving, praying—that substitutes outward austerity for inward devotion (Isaiah 58:5-8). Believers are urged to fast with anointed heads and washed faces, expressing the joy of fellowship with the Father even in self-denial. The Downcast Faces on the Emmaus Road Luke paints disciples whose expectations of a political Messiah lay shattered: “We had hoped that He was the One to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:21). Their σκυθρωπός looks embody disillusionment. Yet their sorrow is transformed when Scripture is opened and the risen Christ is recognized. The gloomy visage gives way to burning hearts (24:32) and bold witness (24:33-35). Thus the word traces the arc from despair to resurrection joy. Theology of Countenance in Scripture Throughout the Bible the face mirrors the spiritual state. A “fallen” face marks Cain’s sin (Genesis 4:5-6); the shining face of Moses reflects divine glory (Exodus 34:29-35); believers are urged to reflect Christ “with unveiled faces” (2 Corinthians 3:18). σκυθρωπός therefore contributes to a broader theology in which God lifts up His people’s countenance (Numbers 6:26) and removes shame (Psalm 34:5). Practical and Pastoral Implications • Spiritual disciplines should radiate reliance on God, not solicit sympathy. Christological Significance The contrast between contrived gloom (Matthew 6) and grief relieved by Christ (Luke 24) highlights His authority to expose false religion and His compassion to heal true sorrow. σκυθρωπός ultimately drives the reader to the Savior who turns mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11) and whose own visage, once marred on the cross (Isaiah 52:14), now shines upon His people with eternal favor (Revelation 1:16). Forms and Transliterations εσκυλεύσαν εσκύλευσαν εσκύλευσας σκυθρωπά σκυθρωποι σκυθρωποί σκυλεύειν σκυλεύσαι σκυλεύσαντα σκυλεύσαντας σκυλεύσει σκυλεύσετε σκύλευσον σκυλεύσουσι σκυλεύσουσί skuthropoi skuthrōpoi skythropoi skythropoí skythrōpoi skythrōpoíLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 6:16 Adj-NMPGRK: οἱ ὑποκριταὶ σκυθρωποί ἀφανίζουσιν γὰρ NAS: do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites KJV: the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for INT: the hypocrites downcast in countenance they disfigure indeed Luke 24:17 Adj-NMP |
    |