σκυθρωπός (skuthrōpos)
skuthrōpos
sad
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective skuthrōpos describes a person with a sullen or gloomy countenance. Its root combines a word for "sullen" with one meaning "face," literally painting a picture of a darkened expression. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, always marking a visible shift in demeanor that signals inner distress.
In Matthew 6:16, Jesus warns against adopting this look when fasting, contrasting genuine devotion with the performative sadness sought by hypocrites who want others to notice their piety. Later, in Luke 24:17, the two disciples walking to Emmaus are described as having this heavy-hearted appearance, reflecting their confusion and grief over Jesus’ death before their eyes were opened to his resurrection.
Translators typically render it as "sad" or "gloomy," but the Greek emphasizes the external sign of internal sorrow. It is not merely a mood but a visible state of mind that others can see, serving as a warning against using religious practices for social approval rather than humble sincerity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word skuthrōpos paints a vivid picture of a face that has darkened with sorrow or sullenness. It is not just an internal feeling but a visible shift in demeanor that others can see. In Matthew 6:16, Jesus warns against adopting this look when fasting, contrasting genuine devotion with the performative sadness sought by hypocrites who want others to notice their piety.
Yet this word also appears in moments of deep human grief. In Luke 24:17, the disciples walking to Emmaus are described as having a heavy-hearted appearance, reflecting their confusion and sorrow over Jesus’ death. Their sadness was real and honest, not a performance for an audience. This reminds us that God sees our true hearts, whether we are hiding behind a mask of religious duty or openly sharing our pain with Him.
When you feel weighed down by grief or the pressure to appear perfect, remember that your worth is not tied to your outward appearance. You can bring your honest sorrow to God without fear of judgment. He invites you to lay down the burden of pretense and rest in His grace, knowing that your true self is seen and loved by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- looking sad.1×
- gloomy;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σκυθρωποί·1×
- σκυθρωποί.1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 6:16
“Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.
Jesus uses this word to warn against using religious practices like fasting for social approval rather than humble sincerity.
-
Luke 24:17
He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk, and are sad?”
The disciples’ sad countenance reflects their genuine grief and confusion over Jesus’ death before they understood the resurrection.