κατήφεια (katēpheia)
katēpheia
gloominess
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun katēpheia describes a state of deep dejection or gloominess, specifically manifesting as a downcast look that signals sorrow or shame. It is not merely an internal feeling but an outward posture of the face and spirit, reflecting a heart weighed down by distress.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in James 4:9, where it stands alongside mourning and weeping as part of a call to spiritual humility. The term likely derives from roots meaning "down" and "look," emphasizing the physical lowering of eyes that accompanies shame or grief. Translators typically render it as "gloominess" or "dejection," capturing the visible weight of sorrow that James urges believers to exchange for joy.
Its singular occurrence highlights how deeply personal repentance can feel, marked by a visible shift in demeanor. The word reminds readers that true mourning involves more than words; it changes how we carry ourselves before God and others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
James 4:9 offers a striking image of spiritual humility through the word katēpheia, translated here as gloominess. This term describes a visible downcast look, a physical lowering of the eyes that signals deep sorrow or shame. It is not just an internal emotion but an outward posture, reflecting a heart weighed down by distress. James uses this vivid description to call believers to a genuine repentance that changes how we carry ourselves before God.
This passage invites us to examine our own hearts with honesty. When we face our sins or the consequences of our actions, it is natural to feel the weight of sorrow. James encourages us to let our laughter turn to mourning and our joy to gloominess—not as a permanent state of despair, but as a necessary step toward humility. By acknowledging our need for God openly, we create space for His grace to restore us.
While this word appears only once in the New Testament, its impact is profound. It reminds us that true repentance involves more than words; it changes our demeanor and our relationship with God. This visible shift in spirit shows a heart ready to receive forgiveness. As we walk through seasons of correction or grief, we can find hope in knowing that this honest mourning leads to deeper connection with the Lord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- gloom.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατήφειαν.1×
Key Verses
-
James 4:9
Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
This is the only occurrence of the word, where it describes the visible downcast expression that accompanies genuine repentance and spiritual humility.