ὀδυνάω (odunaō)
odunaō
be anguished
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb odunaō describes a state of being in deep anguish or torment, whether through physical pain or intense emotional distress. Its root connects to the word for "pain" or "labor," suggesting a suffering that is acute and overwhelming. In the New Testament, this term appears only four times, carrying a heavy weight of sorrow or agony.
It is used in two distinct contexts that highlight its range. In Luke 2:48, Mary expresses how she was anguished when Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, showing a mother’s deep emotional distress. Conversely, in Luke 16:24-25, the rich man asks Abraham to send Lazarus to dip his finger in water to cool his tongue, for he is in torment in Hades. This contrast shows the word applies to both human grief and divine judgment.
Translators typically render it as "anguished," "suffered pain," or "tormented." The sources note its use in the Septuagint with Hebrew words for bitterness and wasting away, reinforcing its sense of severe affliction. By choosing this specific term, the biblical authors emphasize a suffering that is not merely sad but piercing and distressing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word describes a pain so deep it feels like labor or torment. It is not a mild sadness but an acute distress that grips the whole person. In Luke, we see Mary’s heartbreak when she lost Jesus, and the rich man’s agony in Hades. Both show how suffering can be emotional or physical, personal or eternal.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God sees our deepest pain. Mary’s anguish was real, yet God was at work even in her confusion. The rich man’s torment shows the seriousness of choices made in life. We are invited to bring our heavy burdens to Jesus, knowing He understands true sorrow.
When you face trials, remember that your pain is not hidden from God. He does not dismiss your anguish as insignificant. Instead, He meets you in it, offering comfort and hope that outlasts every flame of distress.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sorrowing1×
- distressing1×
- are suffering.1×
- I am suffering1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὀδυνώμενοι2×
- ὀδυνῶμαι1×
- ὀδυνᾶσαι.1×
Key Verses
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Luke 2:48
When they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you.”
This verse shows the word applied to Mary’s maternal anxiety, grounding the term in relatable human grief rather than abstract theology.
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Luke 16:24
He cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue! For I am in anguish in this flame.’
Here the rich man uses the word to describe his physical torment in Hades, linking the emotion directly to eternal consequences.
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Luke 16:25
“But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in the same way, bad things. But here he is now comforted and you are in anguish.
Abraham contrasts Lazarus’s comfort with the rich man’s ongoing anguish, highlighting the finality of this state after death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does odunaō mean in the New Testament?
How is this word different from general sadness?
Why is this word used for both Mary and the rich man?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Luke 3 verses
When they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold,…
Luke 16:24He cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water…
Luke 16:25“But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in the same way,…