Brief Overview of σβέννυμι (Strong’s G4570: sbennumi)

Strong’s G4570: A verb meaning to quench, extinguish, or suppress. Used both literally for extinguishing fire and metaphorically for suppressing spiritual gifts or resisting the Holy Spirit’s work. In NT usage, particularly significant in contexts of spiritual warfare and maintaining spiritual vitality.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σβέννυμι carries both literal and metaphorical significance in Scripture. First appearing in Matthew 12:20 regarding Christ not quenching a smoldering wick, it reveals His gentle nature with the weak. In spiritual contexts, particularly in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, it warns against suppressing the Holy Spirit’s work. The early church saw this word as crucial for understanding both Christ’s compassion and the importance of remaining spiritually responsive. Today, it continues to teach us about nurturing spiritual life and responding to God’s work.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σβέννυμι, sbennumi, /sben’-noo-mee/
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘sben’ as in ‘spend’, ‘noo’ as in ‘new’, ‘mee’ as in ‘me’
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From Proto-Indo-European root *sgʷes-
• Related to Sanskrit जसते (jasate) “exhausts”
• Basic meaning of stopping or suppressing activity

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: To extinguish, quench (fire)
• Secondary meaning: To suppress or restrain
• Metaphorical meaning: To resist or stifle spiritual influence

Translation Options:

• Quench – Best captures both literal and metaphorical uses
• Extinguish – Emphasizes complete cessation
• Suppress – Focuses on active resistance

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καταπαύω (katapauo) /kat-ap-ow’-o/ – To cause to cease, but without the fire imagery. See G2664
• παύω (pauo) /pow’-o/ – To stop or cease generally. See G3973

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

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

Examples:
Present: σβέννυμι (I quench)
Future: σβέσω (I will quench)
Aorist: ἔσβεσα (I quenched)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical meanings. Thayer’s notes its use in spiritual contexts. LSJ traces its development in Greek literature. Vine’s highlights its significance in warnings about spiritual life. Strong’s connects it to complete extinction. Moulton and Milligan document its everyday usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 12:20: “A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench [σβέσει], till he send forth judgment unto victory.”

Additional References:
Ephesians 6:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Hebrews 11:34

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σβέννυμι powerfully illustrates both Christ’s gentle care and our responsibility in spiritual life. The good news shines through as we see Jesus’ tender treatment of the weak, while being called to keep our spiritual fire burning bright. It reminds us that the same Lord who tenderly preserves a flickering faith also empowers us to maintain spiritual vitality.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient firefighting manuals for extinguishing flames
2. Applied metaphorically to emotions in Greek medical texts
3. Early Christians used it to describe martyrs’ unquenchable faith

Strong’s G4570: Verb meaning to extinguish or suppress, used both literally and metaphorically in NT. Significant in describing Christ’s gentle treatment of the weak and warnings against suppressing spiritual life. Reflects both divine compassion and human spiritual responsibility.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: quench, holy-spirit, spiritual-warfare, christ’s-gentleness, spiritual-life, faith, resistance, spiritual-gifts, divine-compassion, perseverance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​