[Greek] ἀγανακτέω (aganakteō), [Latin] indignari, [Latin] intolerandus: to grieve much, to be indignant, to be greatly afflicted, to have indignation, to be displeased; Mt.20.24, Mt.21:15, Mt. 26:8, Mk.10:14,41, Mk.14:4, Lk.13:14
Suffer Little Children Come to Me: painting by Rembrandt (1620)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to feel violent irritation, to be vexed, and to show grief. Aristophanes’ Wasps 287 states “Friend, arise, do not thus vex your heart, but forget your wrath.” Plato’s Phaedo 117d states “But Apollodorus, who had been weeping all the time before, then wailed aloud in his grief and made us all break down.” Aristophanes’ Frogs 1006 states “I am indignant, at this encounter, and it gripes my guts, if I have to argue against this fellow.” Plato’s Euthyphro 4d states “Now my father and the rest of my relatives are angry with me, because for the sake of this murderer, I am prosecuting my father for murder.”
New Testament: This term means to be indignant, to be incensed, to be offended, and to be irate. These examples of indignation come from failing or refusing to understand others’ actions. The disciples are indignant that the sons of Zebedee are seeking to attain the highest positions of honor next to Jesus (or in heaven). These sons did not understand that what makes for greatness is being a servant to others. The chief priests and scribes were indignant that Jesus healed the blind and lame in the temple. The disciples were scandalized that the woman would anoint Jesus’ head with expensive perfume. The disciples did not understand that this was a preparation for Jesus’ impending death. Jesus was indignant that the disciples prevented the children from coming to Him. Jesus mentions that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the children. The synagogue leader was scandalized that Jesus would heal on the Sabbath.
Scripture:
“But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the Sabbath, said to the crowd in reply, ‘There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the Sabbath day.’” Lk.13:14
It was considered illegal to heal or work on the Sabbath. The synagogue leader was more concerned about rules rather than about helping others. This leader refused to allow such actions on the Sabbath.
“When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers.” Mt. 20:24
These two disciples sought to have the highest positions of honor next to Jesus. The other disciples were indignant but probably also did not understand what a position of honor is in heaven. Jesus point out that whoever wishes to be great shall by your servant.
“When Jesus saw this, He became indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to Me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” Mk.10:14
The disciples were preventing the children from coming to Jesus. Jesus was indignant at the disciples. Jesus points out that the kingdom of God belongs to such children.
Conclusion:
Indignant, intolerable
To be honest, I was really worried (vexed) if I was going to be able to continue to make further posts. I thought I had run of out Greek terms to use. Fortunately, I found some more terms to talk about.
In the Greek Hellenistic era, this term is frequently found in common and everyday situations involving anger, frustration, and indignation. But that is life!
I was also vexed in that I could not find any examples in the Old Testament era. In the New Testament, there is plenty of indignation to go around! It seems that this ultimately comes from ignorance or closed mindedness. Jesus’ opponents are intolerant. Jesus’ disciples are clueless.
I think we all can imagine what Jesus is thinking about throughout all this. “Good grief!” (Actually this expression was said long before Charlie Brown. “Good grief” was originally a mild oath and euphemism for ‘good God’.)
Update: The Russian/Ukraine crisis has now evolved into an very unfortunate and intolerable matter concerning sovereignty and security ! The Canada situation also has become very intolerable when police mounted on horses are trampling protesters!