"a sighing, groaning, groan, Acts 7:34; an inward sighing, Rom. 8:26*"
Definition and meaning
a sighing, groaning, groan, Acts 7:34; an inward sighing, Rom. 8:26*
In the original Greek the word is written: στεναγμός
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of stenagmos (G4726) across the King James Bible.
I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
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Common questions
Strong's G4726 (stenagmos) is a Greek word that means: a sighing, groaning, groan, Acts 7:34; an inward sighing, Rom. 8:26* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word stenagmos (G4726) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4726 is stenagmos, a Greek word defined as: a sighing, groaning, groan, Acts 7:34; an inward sighing, Rom. 8:26*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
stenagmos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.