Brief Overview of πρίζω (Strong’s G4249: prizō)

Strong’s G4249: A verb meaning “to saw” or “to cut with a saw,” often used to describe execution by sawing. In its New Testament context, it appears in Hebrews 11:37 describing the martyrdom of faithful believers, particularly associated with the traditional account of Isaiah’s death.

U- Unveiling the Word

πρίζω represents one of the most brutal forms of martyrdom in ancient times. Its single New Testament use in Hebrews 11:37 refers to the tradition of Isaiah’s martyrdom under Manasseh and other similar martyrdoms. Early church writers used this term when discussing persecution, emphasizing the physical cost of faithfulness to God. The word became emblematic of ultimate sacrifice for faith, inspiring believers through centuries of persecution. Today, it continues to remind us of the potential cost of discipleship and the faithfulness of those who gave their lives for the gospel.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πρίζω, prizō, PREE-zo
• Detailed Pronunciation: PREE (as in ‘preen’) + zo (as in ‘zone’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: πρι- (pri-) – related to cutting
• Suffix: -ζω (-zō) – forms present tense verbs
• The combination creates a verb describing sawing action

D – Defining Meanings

• To saw
• To cut with a saw
• To saw in two
• To execute by sawing

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but expresses a specific action of cutting.

Translation Options:

1. To saw in two – Most accurate for martyrdom context
2. To saw apart – Emphasizes the violent nature
3. To cut with a saw – More general meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διχοτομέω (dichotomeō) [dee-kho-tom-EH-o] – to cut in two, more general
• κατακόπτω (katakoptō) [ka-ta-KOP-to] – to cut down, different method
• See G4249

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, πρίζω shows:

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

Examples:

• Present: πρίζω (I saw)
• Aorist Passive: ἐπρίσθησαν (they were sawn)
• Perfect: πέπρικα (I have sawn)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in describing martyrdom. Thayer’s connects it to Isaiah’s traditional death. LSJ documents its technical use in woodworking. Vine’s notes its figurative use in describing severe persecution. Moulton and Milligan cite its rare occurrence in non-martyrdom contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“They were stoned, they were [πρίζω] sawn in two, they were killed with the sword.” Hebrews 11:37

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πρίζω testifies to the ultimate price some have paid for their faith in Christ. It proclaims the good news by showing that even in the face of brutal persecution, God’s people remain faithful, knowing that King Jesus has overcome death. This word reminds us that while the cost of discipleship can be high, nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient Jewish tradition specifically associates this form of execution with Isaiah’s martyrdom.
2. Early Christian art sometimes depicted this martyrdom to encourage persecuted believers.
3. The term influenced medieval accounts of martyrdom and persecution.

Strong’s G4249: A verb meaning “to saw” or “cut with a saw,” often used to describe execution by sawing. In its New Testament context, it appears in Hebrews 11:37 describing the martyrdom of faithful believers, particularly associated with the traditional account of Isaiah’s death.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: martyrdom, persecution, sacrifice, faithfulness, Isaiah, Hebrews, suffering, execution, persecution history, faith, biblical keywords​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​