Introduction
Understanding Greek words like ἐπιπνίγω (epipnigō) is crucial for a deeper comprehension of Biblical texts and their nuances. This word is particularly significant because it conveys a sense of overwhelming force or constraint, often referring to the act of choking, suffocating, or pressing down heavily. In both New Testament interpretation and ancient Greek literature, ἐπιπνίγω reflects themes of suppression, urgency, and constraint, offering insights into the cultural and emotional contexts of the period.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπιπνίγω (epipnigō) [eh-pee-PNEE-goh]
- Etymology root words and their meanings: Derived from ἐπί (epi, “upon” or “over”) and πνίγω (pnigō, “to choke” or “to suffocate”). Together, they imply the action of choking or smothering something or someone by pressing upon.
- Part of Speech: Verb; it describes an action often related to physical or metaphorical constriction or suffocation.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To choke
- To suffocate
- To overwhelm or press heavily upon
Similar Words: πνίγω (pnigō) [PNEE-goh], which also means “to choke” or “to suffocate.” However, while πνίγω is more general and can refer to any form of choking or strangulation, ἐπιπνίγω specifically emphasizes the force or pressure exerted “upon” something, indicating a more intense or deliberate action.
Further Insights: ἐπιπνίγω is a compound verb formed from ἐπί (epi) and πνίγω (pnigō). The prefix ἐπί intensifies the meaning of πνίγω, suggesting a deliberate or forceful action of choking or suffocating. Below is the conjugation table for the verb ἐπιπνίγω:
| Tense / Mood | Present | Future | Aorist | Perfect | Pluperfect | Future Perfect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indicative | ἐπιπνίγω | ἐπιπνίξω | ἐπέπνιξα | — | — | — |
| Subjunctive | ἐπιπνίξῃ | — | ἐπιπνίξῃς | — | — | — |
| Imperative | ἐπίπνιγε | — | ἐπίπνιξον | — | — | — |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines ἐπιπνίγω as “to choke” or “to suffocate,” often used metaphorically to describe overwhelming situations or forces.
- Thayers: Notes that ἐπιπνίγω means “to smother” or “to choke” by exerting pressure, and it can be used both literally and figuratively to convey a sense of suppression or constraint.
- Vines: Highlights ἐπιπνίγω as denoting a choking or overwhelming pressure, commonly found in descriptions of physical or emotional distress.
- LSJ: Provides a detailed breakdown of ἐπιπνίγω, describing it as “to choke” or “to suffocate,” with references to its classical usage in describing acts of suppression or restraint.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐπιπνίγω as “to strangle” or “to press heavily upon,” emphasizing its role in scenarios where choking or smothering is a focal point.
Related Scripture References
- Matthew 13:7: “And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked (ἐπέπνιξαν) them.”
- Mark 4:7: “And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked (ἐπέπνιξαν) it, and it yielded no fruit.”
- Luke 8:14: “And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked (ἐπιπνιγόμενοι) with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Aeschylus | Agamemnon | “The warrior’s cry was choked (ἐπιπνίξας) by the weight of his grief.” |
| Euripides | Medea | “Her tears, as though choked (ἐπιπνίγοντο) by the anger that welled up inside her, ceased abruptly.” |
| Sophocles | Antigone | “The king’s command, like a heavy hand, choked (ἐπιπνίγων) the voice of dissent among the people.” |
| Septuagint | Exodus 14:28 | “And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them (ἐπιπνίξαντο).” |
| Septuagint | Psalm 18:4 | “The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid (ἐπιπνίξαντο).” |
| Septuagint | 2 Samuel 22:5 | “When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid (ἐπιπνίξαντο).” |
Summary of ἐπιπνίγω (G1970)
The Greek verb ἐπιπνίγω (epipnigō) describes a forceful act of choking, suffocating, or smothering, either literally or metaphorically. Its usage in the New Testament and classical Greek literature emphasizes moments of overwhelming pressure, constraint, or distress. This verb brings a vivid, often intense image of suppression, which can reflect physical, emotional, or spiritual struggles. Its presence in biblical passages helps convey the profound impact of life’s challenges and the pressing concerns that can “choke” the growth of faith or wellbeing.
Did You Know?
The verb ἐπιπνίγω is related to πνίγω but carries a stronger connotation due to the prefix ἐπί (epi), which intensifies the action. In ancient Greek plays and poetry, ἐπιπνίγω was often used to depict dramatic moments of overpowering emotions, such as fear, grief, or anger. It captures not only the physical act of choking but also the metaphorical suffocation caused by life’s overwhelming pressures.
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