denotes "heavy, burdensome;" it is always used metaphorically in the NT, and is translated "heavy" in Mat 23:4, of Pharisaical ordinances; in the comparative degree "weightier," Mat 23:23, of details of the law of God; "grievous," metaphorically of wolves, in Act 20:29; of charges, Act 25:7; negatively of God's commandments, 1Jo 5:3 (causing a burden on him who fulfills them); in 2Cr 10:10, "weighty," of Paul's letters.

Bad; foul. And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a NOISOME and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. (Revelation 16:2)

1. properly, i. e. heavy in weight: φορτίον, Matthew 23:4 (in 11:30 we have the opposite, ἐλαφρόν). 2. metaphorically, a. burdensome: ἐντολή, the keeping of which is grievous, 1 John 5:3. b. severe, stern: ἐπιστολή, 2 Corinthians 10:10 (others, imposing, impressive, cf. Wetstein at the passage).

Afflictive painful hard to be borne. Correction is grievous to him that forsaketh the way.

The Hebrew root for "grieve, " nhm [ ;j"n ], communicates a mixture of divine indignation against sin and a heartfelt anguish concerning the plight of his creation. Thus, in grief, God responds in judgment against sin, yet bestows saving grace and mercy on Noah and his family (Gen 6:7-8).