G3396

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in the Bible helps readers gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural and theological contexts in which the scriptures were written. The Greek word μίγνυμι (mígnymi), meaning “to mix” or “to mingle,” occurs in Matthew 27:34, where it refers to a mixture of wine and gall offered to Jesus during His crucifixion. This word is significant as it sheds light on practices in ancient times, especially regarding the use of mixed substances for medicinal or ritual purposes. Additionally, understanding how μίγνυμι is used helps in interpreting New Testament passages where mixing—whether literal or metaphorical—is central to the meaning of the text.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μίγνυμι (mígnymi), pronounced MEEG-nü-mee.

Etymology: Μίγνυμι comes from the Proto-Indo-European root meik- (to mix or mingle). It denotes the act of mixing or blending two or more substances together.

Part of Speech: Μίγνυμι is a verb, typically used in the active voice. Its forms change depending on the tense, voice, and mood, as with most Greek verbs. In Matthew 27:34, it appears in the context of mixing substances, specifically wine and gall.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Mix Substances: The primary meaning of μίγνυμι is to combine different substances or elements, usually in a physical context. This is the sense in which it is used in Matthew 27:34, where the wine offered to Jesus was mixed with gall, a bitter substance.

2. To Intermingle or Blend: In broader applications, μίγνυμι can describe the mixing of different types of people, cultures, or ideas, metaphorically indicating blending or integration.

3. To Dilute: Sometimes, μίγνυμι can carry the implication of diluting a substance by mixing it with another. For instance, mixing water with wine was a common practice in ancient Greek and Roman societies.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Κεράννυμι (keránnymi): Pronounced keh-RAHN-nü-mee, this word also means “to mix” but often has more of a culinary or drink-related connotation, such as mixing a drink. It is closely related to μίγνυμι but is more commonly used in reference to beverages.

2. Συγκεράννυμι (synkeránnymi): Pronounced soon-ker-AHN-nü-mee, this word means “to mix together” and implies a stronger sense of unity in the mixing process, where the separate elements become indistinguishable.

3. Μειγνύω (meígnüo): Pronounced MAYG-nü-o, this is another verb meaning “to mix,” similar in usage to μίγνυμι but less commonly found in New Testament texts.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: Μίγνυμι follows a standard conjugation for Greek verbs. It can appear in various tenses (present, aorist, perfect), voices (active, middle, passive), and moods (indicative, subjunctive, imperative). In Matthew 27:34, it appears in the aorist tense, describing a completed action.

Person and Number: As a verb, μίγνυμι is conjugated to agree with the subject in person and number. In Matthew 27:34, it refers to an action performed by others (those offering Jesus the drink), so it is conjugated in the third person plural form.

Tense Form

Present μίγνυμι

Aorist ἔμιξα

Perfect μεμίγμαι

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Studying Lexicon Insights

According to various lexicons, μίγνυμι primarily denotes the act of mixing or blending. In classical Greek contexts, it could describe mixing substances, whether for medicinal purposes or in food preparation. In the New Testament, its usage in Matthew 27:34 carries theological implications, emphasizing the bitterness of the mixture given to Jesus on the cross. This reflects the deep suffering He endured. The term also appears in other ancient Greek texts in various forms, often associated with the mixing of liquids or ideas.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 27:34: “They gave Him wine to drink mixed [μίγνυμι] with gall; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text with μίγνυμι

Homer Iliad “He mixed [μίγνυμι] the wine with water in the bowl.”

Plato Symposium “They mixed [μίγνυμι] the drinks at the feast, making them lighter.”

Septuagint Exodus 30:25 “You shall make a holy anointing oil mixed [μίγνυμι] as a perfume.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb μίγνυμι carries significant implications in both New Testament and classical Greek contexts. In Matthew 27:34, it refers to the bitter mixture of wine and gall offered to Jesus, symbolizing the suffering and pain He endured. Understanding the cultural and historical significance of mixing substances, whether for medicinal or culinary purposes, adds a layer of depth to interpreting such passages. The word’s frequent use in classical texts to describe mixtures of wine, food, or even ideas reflects its broad applicability in the ancient world.

Did You Know?

• In ancient Greek culture, it was common to mix water with wine to dilute its strength, as referenced by μίγνυμι in several classical texts.

• The mixture of wine and gall offered to Jesus in Matthew 27:34 was intended to dull pain, a practice used in ancient executions.

• The root of μίγνυμι has connections to Indo-European languages, with similar terms for mixing appearing across various ancient cultures.