λύπη speaks of inward distress—sorrow, grief, pain, heaviness—that touches both the emotions and the will. Scripture portrays it as an unavoidable element of life in a fallen world, yet one that God sovereignly employs for His redemptive purposes.

Distribution in the New Testament

The noun occurs sixteen times, spanning Gospel narrative (John, Luke), apostolic exhortation (Romans, Corinthians, Philippians, Hebrews), and Petrine instruction (1 Peter). Its settings include personal anguish, communal tension, pastoral correction, and the anticipation of Christ’s resurrection joy.

Sorrow in the Teaching of Jesus

In the upper-room discourse Jesus acknowledges the disciples’ immediate grief: “Because I have said these things, sorrow has filled your heart” (John 16:6). Three verses later He promises transformation: “You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy” (John 16:20). He illustrates with childbirth (John 16:21) and anchors hope in His post-resurrection appearance: “I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice” (John 16:22). Sorrow, therefore, is neither final nor futile; it becomes the womb of joy when united to the risen Lord.

Prophetic and Apostolic Grief

Paul’s heart for Israel beats with “great sorrow and unceasing anguish” (Romans 9:2). His pastoral letters show grief both experienced and induced. He chooses not to make another “painful visit” to Corinth (2 Corinthians 2:1) and writes instead, hoping “not to be distressed by those who ought to make me rejoice” (2 Corinthians 2:3). Yet even corrective sorrow is restorative: “You ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow” (2 Corinthians 2:7).

Godly Sorrow and Repentance

The most explicit theological statement appears in 2 Corinthians 7:10: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” Here λύπη divides into two streams:
• Godly sorrow—produced by the Spirit through conviction of sin, culminating in life-giving repentance.
• Worldly sorrow—self-centered remorse, ending in spiritual sterility.

The distinction safeguards believers from mere emotionalism and directs them toward saving change.

Sorrow within Suffering and Discipline

Hebrews 12:11 names sorrow as a present reality of divine chastening: “No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Similarly, 1 Peter commends those who “endure grief from suffering unjustly” (1 Peter 2:19). Pain endured under God’s eye bears fruit in righteousness and witness.

Pastoral Affection and Compassionate Grief

Philippians 2:27 records Paul’s near “sorrow upon sorrow” had Epaphroditus died. The text reveals a sanctified capacity for deep feeling that does not contradict faith but expresses love. Luke 22:45 shows Jesus finding the disciples “exhausted from sorrow,” validating emotional limits and the need for divine strengthening.

Generosity without Sorrow

Even giving can be marred by reluctant λύπη: “Each one should give… not reluctantly or under compulsion” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Joyful stewardship is the antidote.

Eschatological Resolution

Revelation promises a day when “there will be no more… sorrow” (Revelation 21:4, alluding to λύπη’s Old Testament counterpart). The New Testament’s scattered occurrences forecast that consummation: sorrow exists, is tempered by grace, and will finally disappear in the presence of God.

Ministry Implications

1. Preaching should differentiate godly and worldly sorrow, urging repentance that leads to salvation.
2. Pastoral care must allow believers to feel sorrow without shame, while steering them toward hope in Christ.
3. Church discipline, rightly practiced, may occasion temporary grief but aims at restoration and joy.
4. Generosity and service should flow from cheerful hearts, free of reluctant sorrow.
5. Worship incorporates lament as a legitimate voice of faith, anticipating the ultimate eradication of grief.

Reflection

The presence of λύπη in Scripture neither contradicts divine goodness nor diminishes Christian joy. Rather, it frames sorrow as a meaningful participant in sanctification, mission, and hope—temporary, purposeful, and destined to be swallowed up by eternal joy in Christ.