ἀγωνία (agōnia)
agōnia
a struggle
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun agōnia literally means a struggle or contest, derived from the same root as the Greek word for an arena or athletic field. In classical usage, it described the intense physical exertion of wrestling or competition. However, in the New Testament, its meaning shifts inward to describe severe mental anguish or deep emotional distress.
This word appears only once in Scripture, in Luke 22:44, where Jesus is described as being in agony during his prayer in Gethsemane. The text depicts a state of profound inner turmoil and fear, capturing the weight of the suffering he was about to endure. It conveys more than simple sadness; it suggests a crisis of spirit so intense that it manifests physically.
Translators typically render agōnia as "agony" or "great distress," preserving the sense of extreme pressure. The term highlights the human reality of Jesus’ experience, showing him grappling with the enormity of his mission before accepting it. This single usage underscores the depth of his empathy for those who face overwhelming trials.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word agōnia, found only once in the New Testament, describes a profound inner struggle that presses so heavily on the spirit it becomes physical. In Luke 22:44, we see Jesus in Gethsemane experiencing this deep distress before his crucifixion. This rare term shows us that even the Son of God faced moments of intense emotional and spiritual weight, grappling with the enormity of the suffering ahead.
Knowing that Jesus entered into such genuine anguish brings comfort to those facing their own trials. You are not alone in your struggles; He understands the depth of human fear and pressure because He lived it. This shared experience means you can bring your heaviest burdens to Him, trusting that He meets you with empathy rather than judgment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- agony1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀγωνίᾳ1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 22:44
Being in agony, he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.
This is the sole occurrence of the word, describing Jesus' intense inner turmoil and physical manifestation of distress in Gethsemane.