Brief Overview of σμυρνίζω (Strong’s G4669: smyrnizō)

Strong’s G4669: A verb meaning to mix or flavor with myrrh. From σμύρνα (myrrh). In NT usage, appears once describing the wine mixed with myrrh offered to Jesus at His crucifixion, traditionally given to condemned prisoners to dull pain. Represents both mercy and the fullness of Christ’s suffering.

U- Unveiling the Word

σμυρνίζω represents the practice of mixing myrrh with wine, typically to create a narcotic effect. In its sole New Testament appearance, it describes the drugged wine offered to Jesus during His crucifixion, which He refused, choosing to experience the full measure of suffering. Early church fathers often pointed to this refusal as evidence of Christ’s voluntary embrace of complete suffering for our salvation. Today, this word continues to remind us of both the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and His conscious choice to fully experience the cross’s pain for our redemption.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σμυρνίζω, smyrnizō, /smoor-nid’-zo/
• Detailed pronunciation: ‘smoor’ as in “smoor,” ‘nid’ as in “kid,” ‘zo’ as in “zone”
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: σμύρνα (myrrh)
• Suffix: -ίζω (-izō) – verbal ending indicating “to make or treat with”
• Forms verb meaning “to treat with myrrh”

D – Defining Meanings

• To mix with myrrh
• To flavor with myrrh
• To treat with myrrh
• To drug with myrrh

For compound words: Not a compound word, but formed from σμύρνα with verbal suffix -ίζω

Translation Options:

• “Mixed with myrrh” – Most accurate to NT context
• “Myrrh-flavored” – More general usage
• “Treated with myrrh” – Broader application

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κεράννυμι (kerannymi) /ker-an’-noo-mee/ – to mix, mingle See G2767
• μίγνυμι (mignymi) /ming’-noo-mee/ – to mix See G3396
• ποτίζω (potizō) /pot-id’-zo/ – to give drink See G4222

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb:

• Tense: Present, Perfect, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Aorist)

Examples:

• ἐσμυρνισμένος – having been mixed with myrrh (Perfect Passive Participle)
• σμυρνίζω – I mix with myrrh (Present Active)
• σμυρνίζεται – is being mixed with myrrh (Present Passive)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its specific use in crucifixion context. Thayer’s notes its connection to ancient execution practices. LSJ provides examples of medicinal uses. Vine’s highlights its significance in Christ’s passion. Strong’s connects it to the noun σμύρνα. Moulton and Milligan document its use in medical contexts. LEH notes similar practices in Jewish traditions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And they gave him to drink wine mingled [σμυρνίζω] with myrrh: but he received it not.” Mark 15:23

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σμυρνίζω powerfully illustrates Christ’s voluntary embrace of full suffering for our salvation. His refusal of the myrrh-mixed wine promotes the Gospel by showing His conscious choice to experience the complete pain of crucifixion, ensuring our complete redemption through His unmitigated sacrifice.

D – Did You Know?

1. The practice of offering drugged wine to the condemned was a Jewish custom of mercy based on Proverbs 31:6-7.
2. Roman soldiers typically provided this mixture, showing even enemies could show mercy.
3. Ancient medical texts often recommended myrrh-mixed wine for severe pain.

Strong’s G4669: A verb denoting the mixing of wine with myrrh, typically to create a narcotic effect. In NT, appears only in Mark’s crucifixion account. Christ’s refusal of this mixture demonstrates His voluntary acceptance of full suffering for our salvation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: myrrh, crucifixion, suffering, wine, pain-relief, jesus-sacrifice, marks-gospel, passion-narrative, ancient-customs, mercy, biblical-greek, new-testament, crucifixion-practices​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​