Brief Overview of πιπράσκω (Strong’s G4097: pipraskō)

Strong’s G4097: A verb meaning “to sell,” particularly emphasizing completed transaction or transfer of ownership. In biblical contexts, used both literally for commercial transactions and metaphorically for spiritual bondage or dedication, notably in Jesus’s parables about the kingdom.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πιπράσκω (pipraskō) denotes the act of selling or transferring ownership. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from literal commercial transactions to metaphorical spiritual meanings, particularly in Jesus’s parables about the kingdom’s supreme value. Early church writers developed its spiritual significance to discuss complete dedication to Christ. Today, it challenges believers to consider what they’re willing to “sell all” for in pursuit of God’s kingdom.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πιπράσκω, pipraskō, pip-ras’-ko
• Detailed pronunciation: pip (as in “pip”) + ras (as in “rusk”) + ko (as in “co”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:
From περάω (peraō) meaning “to pass through, transfer”

D – Defining Meanings

• To sell
• To transfer ownership
• To dispose of
• To trade away
• To give up possession

Translation Options:

1. Sell – basic meaning
2. Trade – emphasizes exchange
3. Transfer ownership – formal equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πωλέω (pōleō) [po-leh’-o] – to sell, more general term
• ἀποδίδωμι (apodidōmi) [ap-od-id’-o-mee] – to sell back
• ἐμπορεύομαι (emporeuomai) [em-por-yoo’-om-ahee] – to trade

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

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

Example conjugations:
Present: πιπράσκω (I sell)
Perfect: πέπρακα (I have sold)
Aorist Passive: ἐπράθην (I was sold)

Cross-references:

• Noun: πράσις (sale)
• Verbal Adjective: πρατός (sold)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes complete transfer. Thayer’s notes both literal and metaphorical uses. LSJ documents commercial contexts. Vine’s connects it to kingdom parables. Strong’s highlights finality of transaction. Moulton and Milligan note its legal usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold [πιπράσκω] all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:46)

Additional References:
Matthew 18:25
Acts 2:45
Acts 4:34
Acts 5:4
Romans 7:14

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πιπράσκω powerfully illustrates complete commitment to God’s kingdom. The good news of King Jesus demands and deserves our total surrender, selling all to gain the pearl of great price. This word challenges us to evaluate what we’re willing to give up for the supreme value of knowing Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient slave markets for final sales.
2. Appeared in legal documents for property transfer.
3. Early Christians used it to describe martyrs’ ultimate sacrifice.

Strong’s G4097: A verb expressing complete transfer of ownership through sale. Used both literally in commercial contexts and metaphorically in spiritual applications, particularly emphasizing total commitment to God’s kingdom.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #sell #kingdom #commitment #value #sacrifice #parables #Jesus #Matthew #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #discipleship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​