The meaning of Sorrow in the Bible
(From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

sor'-o (chebhel, yaghon, makh'obh, etc.; lupe): The Old Testament has very many words translated "sorrow," those named being the most frequent; in the New Testament "sorrow" is usually the translation of lupe (Luke 22:45; John 16:6; II Corinthians 2:3, II Corinthians 2:7, etc.). Penthos, translated "sorrow" in Revelation 18:7; Revelation 21:4, is in the Revised Version (British and American) "mourning." Odune, of pain-and distress, is thus rendered in Romans 9:2; I Timothy 6:10 (compare the verb in Luke 2:48; Acts 20:38). the Revised Version (British and American) frequently gives a more literal rendering of the words used, as "toil" (Genesis 3:17), "pangs" (Exodus 15:14), "pining" (Deuteronomy 28:65), "distress" (Isaiah 5:30), "lamentation" (Isaiah 29:2), etc.; sometimes also it uses "sorrow" for other words, as for "grief" (II Chronicles 6:29; Psalms 31:10; Psalms 69:26; etc.; II Corinthians 2:5), "heaviness" (Romans 9:2; II Corinthians 2:1).

Sorrow or grief is necessary for discipline, for the development of the finer feelings and higher nature of the soul and spirit (Ecclesiastes 7:3, "Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made glad," margin "better"). Sorrow inevitably follows sin, and is its punishment, yet the righteous are not exempt from it. The "Servant of Yahweh" was "a man of sorrows" (Isaiah 53:3). Christians learn how to be "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" (II Corinthians 6:10; II Corinthians 7:4; Colossians 1:24; I Thessalonians 1:6; etc.). In the New Jerusalem it is predicted that there shall be no sorrow, for sorrow shall have done its work, and the first things have passed away (Revelation 21:4).

W. L. Walker

DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.