Lexical Summary sustenazó: To groan together, to lament together Original Word: συστενάζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lament, groan together. From sun and stenazo; to moan jointly, i.e. (figuratively) experience a common calamity -- groan together. see GREEK sun see GREEK stenazo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and stenazó Definition to groan together NASB Translation groans (1), together* (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4959: συστενάζωσυστενάζω (T WH συνστενάζω (cf. σύν, II. at the end)); to groan together: Romans 8:22, where σύν has the same force as in συνωδίνω, b. (τίνι, with one, Euripides, Ion 935; Test xii. Patr. (test. Isach. § 7), p. 629). Topical Lexicon Semantic Nuances and Imagery The single New Testament appearance of Strong’s Greek 4959 highlights a corporate, empathetic expression of anguish. Whereas individual lament is frequent in Scripture, this term depicts a harmony of sighs—creation sounding a unified dirge under the weight of the Fall. The metaphor evokes labor pains, suggesting that present distress anticipates an imminent, glorious birth. Creation’s Shared Groaning in Romans 8:22 “We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time” (Romans 8:22). Paul situates the believer’s suffering within a cosmic framework. All that God made, once declared “very good,” now convulses under Adam’s curse (Genesis 3:17–19). The apostle personifies non-human realms—earth, seas, skies—as conscious participants in a drama that points beyond itself to renewal (Isaiah 24:4–6; Hosea 4:3). Far from a mere poetic flourish, this groaning validates the believer’s experience: both humanity and the wider universe sense their shared captivity to corruption (Romans 8:21). Old Testament Echoes of Collective Sighing While the precise Greek term is absent from the Septuagint, the theme of communal lament pervades the Hebrew Scriptures. Israel “sighed” under Egyptian bondage (Exodus 2:23). The land itself “mourned” because of Judah’s sin (Jeremiah 12:4). Such passages prepare for Paul’s claim that even the inanimate order yearns for redemption, aligning prophets and apostle in proclaiming a creation-wide hope. Pauline Theology of Suffering and Hope Romans 8 contrasts “the sufferings of this present time” with “the glory that will be revealed” (Romans 8:18). The shared groan underscores three Pauline convictions: 1. The present age is marked by unavoidable affliction (2 Corinthians 4:8–9). Eschatological Perspective Labor pains culminate in birth; so the groan of creation forecasts new heavens and a new earth (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1). Paul thus invites believers to interpret environmental disorder, natural disasters, and decay as eschatological indicators rather than existential absurdities. The groan will cease when “the freedom of the glory of the children of God” arrives (Romans 8:21). Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Validation of Suffering: Congregants facing illness or persecution can be reminded that even mountains and oceans sympathize with their anguish. Theological Implications for Creation Care Acknowledging creation’s groan guards against two extremes: worship of nature and neglect of it. If the earth agonizes under sin’s curse, Christians steward it with compassion, anticipating its liberation rather than exploiting it (Psalm 24:1; Colossians 1:16–17). Environmental engagement becomes an expression of gospel hope, not mere social activism. Conclusion Strong’s 4959 encapsulates a vast, symphonic lament that embraces every atom of the universe while pointing to a consummation secured in Christ. The Church hears this groan, joins it, and proclaims the coming day when “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). Forms and Transliterations συνστεναζει συνστενάζει συστενάζει σύστημα συστηματα συστήματα sustenazei systenazei systenázeiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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