Brief Overview of πίνω (Strong’s G4095: pinō)

Strong’s G4095: A verb meaning “to drink.” In biblical contexts, used both literally for physical drinking and metaphorically for spiritual realities, particularly in reference to the cup of suffering, communion, and receiving spiritual blessings or judgment.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πίνω (pinō) encompasses both physical and spiritual drinking in Scripture. While primarily denoting the basic act of drinking, it carries profound theological significance in contexts like the Last Supper (“drink this cup”) and Jesus’s references to drinking the cup of suffering. Early church writers developed its sacramental and spiritual implications extensively. Today, it continues to connect physical and spiritual realities, particularly in communion and our participation in Christ’s life.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πίνω, pinō, pee’-no
• Detailed pronunciation: pee (as in “pea”) + no (as in “no”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:
From Proto-Indo-European *peh₃- meaning “to drink”

D – Defining Meanings

• To drink
• To imbibe
• To partake of liquid
• To absorb
• To receive (metaphorically)

Translation Options:

1. Drink – basic meaning
2. Partake – emphasizes participation
3. Consume – formal equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ποτίζω (potizō) [pot-id’-zo] – to give drink
• διψάω (dipsaō) [dip-sah’-o] – to thirst
• μεθύω (methyō) [meth-oo’-o] – to be drunk

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

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

Example conjugations:
Present: πίνω (I drink)
Future: πίομαι (I will drink)
Aorist: ἔπιον (I drank)

Cross-references:

• Noun: πόσις (drinking)
• Adjective: πότιμος (drinkable)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s notes its sacramental significance. LSJ documents extensive everyday usage. Vine’s connects it to spiritual participation. Strong’s highlights its fundamental meaning. Moulton and Milligan note its common occurrence.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink [πίνω].” (Matthew 6:25)

Additional References:
Matthew 20:22-23
Matthew 26:27-29
Mark 10:38-39
Luke 22:18
John 4:7-14
1 Corinthians 10:4
1 Corinthians 11:25-29

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πίνω powerfully illustrates our participation in Christ’s life and death. The good news of King Jesus includes both drinking His cup of suffering and partaking in His resurrection life. This word reminds us that genuine fellowship with Christ involves both shared suffering and shared glory.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient medical texts for absorbing medicine.
2. Central to early Christian communion liturgy.
3. Influenced development of sacramental theology.

Strong’s G4095: A verb expressing both physical drinking and spiritual participation. In biblical usage, spans common drinking, sacramental significance in communion, and metaphorical participation in divine blessing or judgment.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #drink #communion #cup #suffering #participation #LastSupper #Jesus #sacrament #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #fellowship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​