Strong’s G4617: A verb meaning to sift as wheat, metaphorically referring to testing or trying severely. Used only once in the New Testament, in Jesus’ warning to Peter about Satan’s desire to shake the disciples’ faith like wheat being violently sifted.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σινιάζω carries profound theological significance in its singular New Testament usage. The word paints a vivid agricultural picture of violently shaking grain in a sieve to separate wheat from chaff, metaphorically representing spiritual testing and trials. Jesus uses this term to warn Peter about Satan’s desire to thoroughly test the disciples’ faith. Early church fathers frequently referenced this word when discussing spiritual warfare and persecution, seeing it as a powerful image of how faith is tested but genuine believers emerge purified. Today, it reminds us that spiritual testing, while challenging, serves God’s purposes in strengthening and authenticating our faith.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σινιάζω, siniazō, sin-ee-AD-zo
• Detailed Pronunciation: σι (see) νι (nee) ά (AD) ζω (zo) – stress on third syllable
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Derived from σινίον (sinion, “sieve”)
• -άζω suffix indicating repetitive action
• Related to agricultural terminology

D – Defining Meanings

• To sift (as grain)
• To shake violently in a sieve
• To test thoroughly

Translation Options:

• To sift – emphasizing the agricultural process
• To shake violently – highlighting the intensity of the action
• To test severely – focusing on the metaphorical meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πειράζω (peirazō, pay-RAD-zo) – See G3985: To test or tempt
• δοκιμάζω (dokimazō, do-ki-MAD-zo) – See G1381: To test, examine, prove
• λικμάω (likmaō, lik-MA-o) – See G3039: To winnow

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Tense: Aorist Infinitive
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Infinitive
• Aspect: Punctiliar (single, complete action)

The word appears in infinitive form, expressing the purpose or aim of Satan’s request. In other contexts, it could be conjugated across various tenses, voices, and moods to express different nuances of sifting or testing.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the agricultural background and metaphorical usage. Thayer’s notes the connection to testing and trials. LSJ documents its use in agricultural contexts. Vine’s highlights its unique appearance in Luke’s gospel. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its use in farming contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 22:31: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to [sift] [σινιάζω] you like wheat.”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σινιάζω powerfully illustrates spiritual warfare and testing in the Christian life. Just as wheat must be violently shaken to separate it from chaff, our faith may be tested severely. Yet this testing, permitted by God and forewarned by Jesus, serves to prove and strengthen genuine faith. The good news is that Jesus prays for us, as He did for Peter, ensuring that our faith will not ultimately fail.

D – Did You Know?

• This word appears only once in the New Testament
• Ancient grain sifting was an aggressive, violent process
• The same Greek root gives us the modern word “sieve”

Strong’s G4617: A verb meaning to sift as wheat, metaphorically referring to testing or trying severely. Used only once in the New Testament, in Jesus’ warning to Peter about Satan’s desire to shake the disciples’ faith like wheat being violently sifted.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: testing, trials, spiritual-warfare, agriculture, peter, satan, sifting, wheat, persecution, faith, temptation, purification​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​