Lexical Summary alupoteros: Less sorrowful, less grievous Original Word: ἀλυπότερος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance less sorrowful. Comparative of a compound of a (as a negative particle) and lupe; more without grief -- less sorrowful. see GREEK a see GREEK lupe NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origincptv. from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and lupé Definition having less grief NASB Translation less concerned (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 253: ἄλυποςἄλυπος, (λύπη), free from pain or grief: Philippians 2:28. (Very often in Greek writings from Sophocles and Plato down.) Topical Lexicon Overview Greek Strong’s 253, ἀλυπότερος, appears only once in the New Testament (Philippians 2:28). It voices Paul’s longing to experience diminished grief when the Philippians welcome Epaphroditus home unharmed. Biblical Context In Philippians 2:25-30 Paul recounts Epaphroditus’ severe illness during his mission on behalf of the Philippian church. God’s mercy preserved the envoy’s life, sparing Paul “sorrow upon sorrow” (verse 27). Paul therefore writes, “Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less anxious” (verse 28). The comparative ἀλυπότερος highlights Paul’s anticipation of a measurable decrease in personal distress through the restoration of fellowship and shared joy. Theological Significance 1. Authentic Emotion in Christian Leadership Paul’s transparency exemplifies a leadership style that neither denies grief nor is ruled by it. His admission parallels “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” (2 Corinthians 6:10), affirming that Christian joy coexists with real human feeling. 2. Shared Suffering and Joy in the Body Paul’s relief is tied to the Philippians’ rejoicing, embodying the principle that “if one part suffers, every part suffers with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26). Gospel partnerships deepen emotional interdependence. 3. Mercy as the Source of Comfort Paul roots his anticipated “less sorrow” in divine compassion: “God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me” (Philippians 2:27). Comfort flows from the character of the God “who comforts us in all our troubles” (2 Corinthians 1:4). Historical Insight Epaphroditus likely traversed roughly 800 miles from Philippi to Rome. Illness could easily prove fatal away from home, and delayed communication intensified anxiety. By sending him back with commendation, Paul safeguards Epaphroditus’ reputation and allays the church’s fears, simultaneously easing his own burden—hence “less sorrowful.” Ministry Applications • Pastoral Transparency: Modern leaders imitate Paul when they share genuine emotions while pointing to God’s sustaining grace. Related Scriptural Themes • Joy after sorrow: John 16:22; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 Summary In a single occurrence ἀλυπότερος encapsulates the apostolic blend of sorrow and joy, underscores the care of God who lessens grief, and portrays the interconnected emotional life of Christ’s church. Forms and Transliterations αλυποτερος αλυπότερος ἀλυπότερος αλυσιδωτά αλυσιδωτόν και alupoteros alypoteros alypóterosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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