Brief Overview of πτοέω (Strong’s G4422: ptoeo)

Strong’s G4422: A verb meaning “to terrify, frighten, or cause to flee from fear.” Used in contexts of intense fear or terror, particularly regarding end-time events. Appears in Jesus’s teachings about maintaining faith and composure in the face of frightening circumstances.

U- Unveiling the Word

πτοέω represents not just ordinary fear but intense terror or panic that can lead to flight. In the New Testament, it appears in Jesus’s eschatological teachings, where He instructs disciples not to be terrified by signs and events preceding His return. The word carries special significance in expressing the kind of panic that could shake one’s faith in times of crisis. Early church fathers often referenced this term when discussing Christian courage during persecution and the importance of maintaining faith despite frightening circumstances. Today, it reminds believers that Christ’s words about not being terrified remain relevant in facing contemporary fears and challenges.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πτοέω, ptoeo, /pto-eh-oh/
• Detailed pronunciation: p-toh-EH-oh (with initial ‘p’ pronounced)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: πτοέω (unknown precise origin)
• Possible relation to πτήσσω (to crouch in fear)
• No prefixes or suffixes
• Basic meaning connected to terror and flight

D – Defining Meanings

• To terrify
• To cause to flee from fear
• To be struck with panic

For compound words: Not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “To be terrified” – Most accurate for intense fear
• “To be frightened” – Milder translation
• “To be struck with panic” – Captures the suddenness and intensity

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φοβέω (phobeo) /fob-eh-oh/ – “to fear” (more general) – See G5399
• ταράσσω (tarasso) /tar-as-so/ – “to trouble, disturb” – See G5015
• δειλιάω (deiliao) /day-lee-ah-oh/ – “to be timid” – See G1168

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, πτοέω exhibits:

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

Examples:

• Present Passive: πτοοῦμαι (I am terrified)
• Aorist Passive: ἐπτοήθην (I was terrified)
• Perfect Passive: ἐπτόημαι (I have been terrified)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of intense fear or terror. Thayer’s notes its connection to flight from fear. LSJ documents its use in classical literature for panic in battle contexts. Vine’s connects it to sudden fright or terror. Strong’s emphasizes the intensity of the fear involved. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from papyri describing panic in dangerous situations. LEH discusses its use in the Septuagint for reactions to divine manifestations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 21:9 “But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified [πτοηθῆτε]: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.”

Additional References:
Luke 24:37, 1 Peter 3:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πτοέω powerfully reminds us that Christ calls us to maintain faith even in terrifying circumstances. Jesus’s command not to be terrified speaks to every age and situation, assuring us that God remains in control despite frightening events. This word proclaims the good news that in Christ, we need not succumb to panic or terror, for He has overcome the world and holds our future secure.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was commonly used in military contexts to describe panic that could break battle formations.
2. Early Christians used this term to describe the opposite of martyrs’ courage under persecution.
3. The term influenced early Christian teachings about maintaining composure during trials.

Strong’s G4422: A verb meaning “to terrify, frighten, or cause to flee from fear.” Used in contexts of intense fear or terror, particularly regarding end-time events. Appears in Jesus’s teachings about maintaining faith and composure in the face of frightening circumstances.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: fear, terror, panic, eschatology, persecution, courage, end times, faith, composure, trials, divine protection, Christian confidence