In biblical literature, the term "countenance" often refers to the expression or appearance of a person's face, which can reflect their inner emotions or spiritual state. A "sad countenance" is a visible manifestation of sorrow, distress, or grief, and it is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures.

Old Testament References

One of the earliest mentions of a sad countenance is found in the account of Cain and Abel. After God rejected Cain's offering, Genesis 4:5 states, "So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell." Here, Cain's fallen countenance is indicative of his inner turmoil and resentment, which ultimately leads to the tragic act of fratricide.

In 1 Samuel 1:18, Hannah, who is deeply distressed by her barrenness, is described as having a sad countenance. After praying fervently to the Lord and receiving a blessing from Eli the priest, "her face was no longer downcast" . This transformation highlights the power of prayer and divine intervention in altering one's emotional state.

Nehemiah 2:2 provides another example, where Nehemiah, the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, appears before the king with a sad countenance. The king notices and asks, "Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart" . Nehemiah's sadness is due to the desolation of Jerusalem, and his countenance reflects his deep concern for his homeland.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, a sad countenance is often associated with spiritual or moral challenges. In Matthew 6:16, Jesus instructs His followers on the proper way to fast: "When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward" . Here, a sad countenance is used hypocritically to gain human approval rather than seeking genuine spiritual growth.

The rich young ruler in Mark 10:22 is another example. After Jesus tells him to sell all he has and give to the poor, "the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, because he had great wealth" . His sad countenance reveals his internal struggle and unwillingness to part with his possessions for the sake of following Christ.

Theological Implications

A sad countenance in the Bible often serves as a window into the soul, revealing the individual's spiritual or emotional state. It can signify a range of experiences, from personal grief and repentance to spiritual conviction and moral conflict. The Scriptures encourage believers to seek God's presence and guidance in times of sorrow, trusting that He can transform a sad countenance into one of joy and peace through His grace and mercy.

The Bible also warns against using a sad countenance for self-serving purposes, as seen in the teachings of Jesus. True spiritual devotion is marked by sincerity and humility, not by outward displays meant to impress others. Believers are called to reflect the joy and hope found in Christ, even amidst trials and tribulations, trusting in His ultimate plan and provision.1 Samuel 1:18
And she said, Let your handmaid find grace in your sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 2:2,3
Why the king said to me, Why is your countenance sad, seeing you are not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,
Nave's Topical Index

Ecclesiastes 7:3
Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 27:35
All the inhabitants of the isles shall be astonished at you, and their kings shall be sore afraid, they shall be troubled in their countenance.
Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 1:15
And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.
Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 5:6
Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.
Nave's Topical Index

4659. skuthropos -- with a gloomy look
... From skuthros (sullen) and a derivative of optanomai; angry-visaged, ie Gloomy or
affecting a mournful appearance -- of a sad countenance. see GREEK optanomai. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4659.htm - 6k

4768. stugnazo -- to have a gloomy appearance
... stugnazo Phonetic Spelling: (stoog-nad'-zo) Short Definition: I am gloomy Definition:
I am gloomy, have a somber countenance, am shocked. ... lower, be sad. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4768.htm - 6k

A Man of Opportunity
... his cupbearer. "Why is thy countenance sad," he inquired, "seeing thou
art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart.". ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 52 a man of.htm

The Throne of Grace
... permitted to pray? Wherefore is thy countenance sad, O suppliant, when thou
standest before the throne of grace? If thou wert before ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the throne of grace.htm

Fasting
... 'Moreover, when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they
disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/fasting.htm

How Claudius was Seized Upon and Brought Out of his House and ...
... already gathered together about Gratus a great number of the guards; and when they
saw Claudius carried off, they looked with a sad countenance, as supposing ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how claudius was.htm

The Prophet Nehemiah
... After he had been praying some time, he was one day in the banqueting hall,
and the king noticed that his countenance was sad. We ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/iv the prophet nehemiah.htm

2 Cor. I. 1, 4
... And truly stouter than any armor is joy in God; and whoso hath it, nothing can ever
make his head droop or his countenance sad, but he beareth all things nobly ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily i 2 cor i.htm

Rom. xii. 4, 5
... This is why he says, "He that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness." For who
that is receiving a kingdom, is of sad countenance? Who ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxi rom xii 4.htm

Rom. I. 1, 2
... For he came not with tidings to make the countenance sad, as did the prophets with
their accusations, and charges, and reproofs, but with glad tidings, even ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily i rom i 1.htm

Book iv Thus Gently Sang the Lady Philosophy with Dignified Mien ...
... THUS gently sang the Lady Philosophy with dignified mien and grave countenance;
and when ... for his blinded eye, he paid back with rejoicings for the sad tears he ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book iv thus gently sang.htm

Jesus, the Great Object of Astonishment.
... The second astonishment to us must be that he could be so marred who had nothing
in His character to mar His countenance. Sin is a sad disfigurement to faces ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/jesus the great object of.htm

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