Brief Overview of πιάζω (Strong’s G4084: piazō)

Strong’s G4084: A verb meaning “to seize,” “to arrest,” or “to catch.” In biblical contexts, often used for attempts to arrest Jesus, highlighting divine sovereignty over human plans. Also appears in contexts of fishing, metaphorically representing evangelistic efforts.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πιάζω (piazō) combines physical and metaphorical meanings of seizing or catching. In John’s Gospel, it frequently appears in narratives of failed attempts to arrest Jesus, demonstrating divine timing and sovereignty. The word also appears in fishing contexts, which early Christians connected to evangelistic ministry. Early church writers developed this dual meaning to discuss both persecution and mission. Today, it reminds us of both divine protection in persecution and our call to be “fishers of men.”

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πιάζω, piazō, pee-ad’-zo
• Detailed pronunciation: pee (as in “pea”) + ad (as in “add”) + zo (as in “zone”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:
Derived from πιέζω (piezō), meaning “to press” or “to squeeze”

D – Defining Meanings

• To seize
• To arrest
• To catch
• To take hold of
• To grasp firmly

Translation Options:

1. Seize – emphasizes forceful action
2. Arrest – specific to legal contexts
3. Catch – appropriate for fishing contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συλλαμβάνω (syllambanō) [sool-lam-ban’-o] – to arrest, more formal
• κρατέω (krateō) [krat-eh’-o] – to grasp, hold fast
• ἁλίσκω (haliskō) [hal-is’-ko] – to catch, capture

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

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

Example conjugations:
Present Active: πιάζω (I seize)
Aorist Active: ἐπίασα (I seized)
Perfect Passive: πεπίασμαι (I have been seized)

Cross-references:

• Noun: πίασις (seizure)
• Verbal adjective: πιαστός (seized)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in arrest narratives. Thayer’s notes both literal and metaphorical applications. LSJ documents its evolution from pressing to seizing. Vine’s connects it to divine sovereignty. Strong’s highlights its forceful nature. Moulton and Milligan note its legal usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“So they were seeking to arrest [πιάζω] him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.” (John 7:30)

Additional References:
John 7:32
John 8:20
John 10:39
John 11:57
Acts 3:7
Acts 12:4
2 Corinthians 11:32
Revelation 19:20

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πιάζω powerfully illustrates both human opposition to and divine purpose for the gospel. The good news of King Jesus includes His sovereign control over persecution and His empowerment for evangelism. This word reminds us that no one can seize Christ or His followers outside of God’s perfect timing and purpose.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient fishing contracts describing catch quotas.
2. Appeared in legal documents for official arrests.
3. Early Christians used it symbolically in baptismal liturgies.

Strong’s G4084: A verb denoting forceful seizure or capture, used both for attempted arrests of Jesus and metaphorically in evangelistic contexts. Demonstrates divine sovereignty over human actions and the church’s mission.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #arrest #seize #catch #persecution #sovereignty #evangelism #Jesus #John #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #mission​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​