Understanding ἀγανακτέω (aganakteō) Strong’s G23: The Biblical Expression of Righteous Indignation and Divine Justice

ἀγανακτέω – Pronunciation Guide: ah-gan-ak-TEH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G23: To be greatly afflicted, to feel irritated or grieved; expressing a strong emotional reaction of indignation or anger, particularly in response to perceived injustice or wrongdoing. This word carries the connotation of being moved with deep concern that often manifests as righteous anger.

Word Study

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Origin: Compound from ἄγαν (very much) and ἄχθομαι (to be weighed down)

Morphology:

• ἀγανακτῶ – I am indignant
• ἀγανακτεῖ – he/she is indignant
• ἀγανακτήσας – having become indignant
• ἀγανακτοῦντες – being indignant

Word Origin & History

The term ἀγανακτέω emerged in classical Greek literature as early as the 5th century BC. Plato employed it in his Republic to describe the philosophical response to injustice, while Aristotle used it in his Ethics to discuss righteous responses to moral wrongdoing.

The word’s composition suggests a physical sensation of being weighed down by something that causes great distress or vexation, eventually evolving to describe an emotional and moral response to wrongdoing.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀγανακτέω appears primarily in contexts where there is a reaction to perceived violations of divine order or justice. The word is notably used to describe both human and divine responses to situations that contradict God’s righteous standards.

Key Passages:

• Matthew 20:24 – The disciples’ indignation at James and John’s request for special positions
• Matthew 21:15 – The chief priests’ reaction to children praising Jesus
• Mark 10:14 – Jesus’ indignation at disciples preventing children from coming to Him

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, ἀγανακτέω was often associated with the reaction of those in authority when confronted with behavior that violated established social or moral norms. This cultural understanding adds depth to its usage in biblical narratives, particularly when describing the reactions of religious leaders to Jesus’ ministry.

The word carried a sense of moral authority and responsibility, suggesting that the one experiencing ἀγανακτέω had both the right and duty to feel such indignation.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀγανακτέω in Scripture reveals important aspects of God’s character, particularly His perfect righteousness and justice. When applied to Jesus, it demonstrates His divine nature and authority, showing how His indignation always aligned with the Father’s will.

This word helps us understand the proper place of righteous anger in the Christian life, distinguishing it from sinful anger. It demonstrates that there are situations where indignation is not only appropriate but necessary as a response to injustice or dishonor to God.

Personal Application

Believers today can learn to discern between righteous and unrighteous indignation by studying the contexts where ἀγανακτέω appears in Scripture. This understanding helps us respond appropriately to injustice while maintaining a spirit of love and mercy.

Related Words

• θυμόω – to be wroth or angry – See G2373
• ὀργίζω – to provoke or enrage – See G3710
• παροργίζω – to rouse to wrath – See G3949
• χολάω – to be angry, bitter – See G5520

Did you Know?

• The word appears only 7 times in the New Testament, making each usage particularly significant
• Modern Greek still uses forms of ἀγανακτέω to describe legitimate protest against social injustice
• The word’s intensive prefix ἄγαν suggests this isn’t just ordinary anger but a deeply felt moral response

Remember This

Righteous indignation, as expressed through ἀγανακτέω, reveals our alignment with God’s justice while calling us to respond with His wisdom and love.