Original Word: στενοχωρέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: stenochóreó
Pronunciation: sten-okh-o-reh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (sten-okh-o-reh'-o)
Definition: To be distressed, to be in difficulty, to be in a narrow place
Meaning: (I keep some one in a tight place), I press upon, cramp, restrain.

cramp, confine

From the same as stenochoria; to hem in closely, i.e. (figuratively) cramp -- distress, straiten.

see GREEK stenochoria

Cognate: 4729 stenoxōréō (from 4728 /stenós, "narrow" and 5566/xōros, "an area, space") – properly, to restrict, keep in a closed space; hem in, severely cramp; (figuratively) holding back affection for someone, like when refusing to respond positively because of a closed heart (cf. L & N, 1, 25.54). In 2 Cor 4:8, Paul states God's grace kept him in difficult circumstances from feeling such. See 4730 (stenoxōria).

Word Origin
from stenos and chóreó
Definition
to be made narrow, to compress
NASB Translation
crushed (1), restrained (2).

STRONGS NT 4729: στενοχωρέω

στενοχωρέω, στενοχώρω: (στενόχωρος; and this from στενός, and χῶρος a space);

1. intransitive, to be in a strait place (Machon in Athen. 13, p. 582 b.); to be narrow (Isaiah 49:19).

2. transitive, to straiten, compress, cramp, reduce to straits (Vulg.angustio) (Diodorus, Lucian, Herodian, others; (the Sept. Joshua 17:15; Judges 16:16; Isaiah 28:20; 4 Macc. 11:11)): passive tropically, of one sorely 'straitened' in spirit, 2 Corinthians 4:8; οὐ στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν ἡμῖν, ye are not straitened in us, ample space is granted you in our souls, i. e. we enfold you with large affection, 2 Corinthians 6:12; στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν, ye are straitened your own affections, so that there is no room there for us, i. e. you do not grant a place in your heart for love toward me, ibid.

Word Origin: From the combination of two Greek words: στενός (stenos), meaning "narrow" or "confined," and χωρέω (chōréō), meaning "to make room" or "to go."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for στενοχωρέω, similar concepts can be found in Hebrew words that convey distress or affliction, such as:
• צָרַר (tsarar) • Strong's Hebrew 6887: To bind, be narrow, be in distress.
• לָחַץ (lachats) • Strong's Hebrew 3905: To press, oppress, afflict.

These Hebrew terms similarly express the idea of being in a state of difficulty or experiencing pressure, aligning with the Greek concept of στενοχωρέω.

Usage: The verb στενοχωρέω is used in the New Testament to describe situations of distress, affliction, or being in a state of difficulty. It conveys the sense of being in a tight spot or under pressure.

Context: The term στενοχωρέω appears in the New Testament to express the concept of being in a state of distress or experiencing hardship. It is often used metaphorically to describe emotional or spiritual pressure rather than physical confinement. The word captures the essence of being in a situation where one feels constrained or troubled, often due to external circumstances or internal struggles.

In 2 Corinthians 4:8, the Apostle Paul uses this term to describe the trials faced by believers: "We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair." Here, στενοχωρέω is translated as "hard pressed," illustrating the intense pressure faced by early Christians, yet highlighting their resilience and hope in Christ.

Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 6:4, Paul lists στενοχωρίαις (the noun form) among the hardships endured in his ministry: "Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities." This usage underscores the reality of suffering in the Christian life, yet also points to the strength and perseverance that come from faith.

The concept of στενοχωρέω is significant in understanding the Christian experience of suffering and the call to endure through faith. It reflects the tension between the trials of this world and the hope found in the promises of God.

στενοχωρεισθε στενοχωρείσθε στενοχωρεῖσθε στενοχωρήση στενοχωρίσαι στενοχωρουμενοι στενοχωρούμενοι stenochoreisthe stenochoreîsthe stenochōreisthe stenochōreîsthe stenochoroumenoi stenochoroúmenoi stenochōroumenoi stenochōroúmenoiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts