ἀγανακτέω (aganakteō)
aganakteō
be indignant
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb aganakteō describes a strong reaction of indignation or deep displeasure, arising from a sense of grief over an injustice or offense. Its roots combine words for "much" and "grief," suggesting that this is not a fleeting annoyance but a heavy, emotional response to something perceived as wrong. In the Gospels, it captures moments where characters are visibly upset by events that contradict their values or expectations.
Jesus uses this word in Matthew 21:15 when he sees children being rebuked, and again in Mark 10:14 regarding the disciples' refusal to let little children come to him. The sources note that the religious leaders also aganakteō against Jesus for healing on the Sabbath (Luke 13:14) and that his own brothers felt indignation when he prioritized his mission over family ties (Matthew 20:24). This distinguishes it from simple anger; it is a righteous or protective outrage at the disruption of God's order.
Translators typically render aganakteō as "indignant" or "angry," but the Greek carries a weightier tone of sorrowful offense. It appears in contexts where compassion clashes with rigid tradition, highlighting the tension between human rules and divine mercy. The word underscores that Jesus’ anger was not self-centered rage but a response to the exclusion of the vulnerable.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aganakteō describes a deep, sorrowful indignation that arises when we see something wrong or unjust. It is more than simple anger; it is a heavy emotional response to a violation of what is right. In the Gospels, this reaction often highlights the clash between human rules and divine mercy.
Jesus used this word in Mark 10:14 when he saw the disciples rebuking children. His indignation was not self-centered rage but a protective outrage at the exclusion of the vulnerable. He wanted to ensure that no one, especially the small and weak, was kept from God’s love.
When we encounter injustice today, this word invites us to examine our own hearts. Are we quick to judge, or do we feel a holy grief when others are pushed aside? Let this truth encourage you: God sees the marginalized and cares deeply for them. We can trust that He is working to restore order and bring comfort to those who suffer.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- indignant2×
- were indignant1×
- was indignant1×
- to be indignant1×
- they were indignant1×
- became indignant1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἠγανάκτησαν3×
- ἠγανάκτησεν1×
- ἀγανακτῶν1×
- ἀγανακτοῦντες1×
- ἀγανακτεῖν1×
Key Verses
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Mark 10:14
But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these.
This verse shows Jesus’ indignation protecting the vulnerable, contrasting human exclusion with divine welcome.
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Matthew 21:15
But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children who were crying in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the son of David!” they were indignant,
The religious leaders were indignant because children’s praise in the temple disrupted their rigid expectations of authority.
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Luke 13:14
The ruler of the synagogue, being indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the multitude, “There are six days in which men ought to work. Therefore come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day!”
The synagogue ruler’s indignation reveals how strict adherence to tradition can blind people to acts of compassion.