Brief Overview of πνίγω (Strong’s G4155: pnigō)

Strong’s G4155: A primary verb meaning “to choke, strangle, or suffocate.” Used literally of physical choking and metaphorically in parables to describe how worldly concerns can suffocate spiritual growth. The word carries strong imagery of constriction and the prevention of life-sustaining breath.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πνίγω primarily denotes the act of choking or strangling, whether literally or metaphorically. In the New Testament, it appears in both physical contexts and in Jesus’ parables, where it powerfully illustrates how worldly concerns can suffocate spiritual life. The early church understood this term as a warning against allowing temporal matters to obstruct spiritual growth. Today, it serves as a sobering reminder of how various pressures and preoccupations can impede our spiritual development and relationship with God.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πνίγω, pnigō, /pnee’-go/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + n (nasal) + ee (long vowel) + go (final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: πνιγ- (pnig-) – primary verbal root
• Ending: -ω (-ō) – present active indicative ending
• Function: Primary verb expressing the action of choking or constricting

D – Defining Meanings

• To choke
• To strangle
• To suffocate
• To drown
• To suppress

Translation Options:

• Choke – Best captures both literal and metaphorical uses
• Strangle – Emphasizes the intentional aspect of the action
• Suffocate – Highlights the prevention of breathing

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἄγχω (anchō) /ang’-kho/ – refers specifically to strangling – See G43
• καταπνίγω (katapnigō) /kat-ap-nee’-go/ – refers to complete suffocation – See G2666
• συμπνίγω (sympnigō) /soom-pnee’-go/ – refers to crowding/choking together – See G4846

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Progressive/Punctiliar

Examples:
Present: πνίγω (I choke)
Future: πνίξω (I will choke)
Aorist: ἔπνιξα (I choked)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s notes its use in drowning contexts. LSJ traces its development in classical Greek. Vine’s highlights its figurative use in parables. Strong’s emphasizes the basic meaning of constriction. LEH notes Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan document its use in legal contexts regarding debt collection.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 18:28: “But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke [ἔπνιγεν] him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.'”

Additional References:
Mark 5:13, Luke 8:33

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πνίγω serves as a powerful warning about what can strangle our spiritual life, while simultaneously highlighting the freedom found in Christ. The good news is that Jesus liberates us from the choking effects of sin, worldly concerns, and spiritual oppression, enabling us to breathe freely in His grace.

D – Did You Know?

1. Πνίγω appears in significant judicial contexts in ancient Greek papyri
2. It’s used in all three Synoptic Gospels’ accounts of the Gadarene swine
3. The word influenced medical terminology related to asphyxiation

Strong’s G4155: A primary verb meaning “to choke, strangle, or suffocate.” Used literally of physical choking and metaphorically in parables to describe how worldly concerns can suffocate spiritual growth. The word carries strong imagery of constriction and the prevention of life-sustaining breath.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: choke, strangle, suffocate, parables, worldly concerns, spiritual growth, persecution, oppression, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, metaphorical language, warnings​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​