Understanding ἀποθλίβω (apothlibō) Strong’s G598: When the Crowd Pressed Against the Messiah – A Word Study of Physical and Spiritual Pressure

Pronunciation Guide: ah-poth-LEE-bo (ἀποθλίβω)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G598: The Greek word ἀποθλίβω is a vivid term meaning to press hard upon, to compress, or to squeeze. It specifically describes the action of pressing against someone or something with significant force, often implying a crushing or constraining pressure. The word carries both literal physical and metaphorical spiritual connotations of being hemmed in or pressured from all sides.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀπό (from, away) + θλίβω (to press, afflict)
• Primary usage in narrative passages
• Rare in New Testament, appearing only once
• Related to common theme of pressure/affliction in biblical narrative

ἀποθλίβω Morphology:

• ἀποθλίβω (present active indicative) – I press hard upon
• ἀποθλίβεις (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you press hard upon
• ἀποθλίβει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it presses hard upon
• ἀποθλίβουσιν (present active indicative, 3rd person plural) – they press hard upon
• ἀποθλίβων (present active participle) – pressing hard upon

Origin & History

The word ἀποθλίβω emerges from classical Greek literature where it was used to describe intense physical pressure or compression. In agricultural contexts, it often described the pressing of grapes or olives. Philo of Alexandria uses the term to describe the crushing pressure of crowds (De Somniis 2.147), while Plutarch employs it when discussing the compression of physical objects (Moralia 641c).

The intensifying prefix ἀπό- adds emphasis to the base verb θλίβω, suggesting a complete or thorough pressing action. This compound form appears in medical writings of Hippocrates when describing the compression of body parts or the squeezing out of fluids.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Physical pressing or squeezing with significant force
• Compression from multiple directions
• Forceful crowding or pressing against
• Metaphorical crushing or constraining pressure

ἀποθλίβω Translation Options:

• “Press hard upon” – Emphasizes the forceful nature of the action
• “Crowd against” – Captures the specific context of Luke 8:45
• “Compress” – Highlights the physical nature of the pressure
• “Squeeze” – Reflects the intensive force implied by the ἀπό- prefix

Biblical Usage

The sole New Testament usage of ἀποθλίβω occurs in Luke 8:45, where it describes the crowds pressing against Jesus after the healing of the woman with the issue of blood. This singular usage is significant as it emphasizes the physical pressure of the crowd upon the Messiah’s person, creating a vivid picture of the scene’s intensity.

In the Septuagint, while the simple form θλίβω appears frequently, ἀποθλίβω is rare, suggesting its use was reserved for instances of particularly intense pressure or compression.

• “Master, the multitude throng thee and press [ἀποθλίβω] thee” Luke 8:45

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, crowds would often press tightly against important figures, particularly healers and teachers. This cultural phenomenon helps explain the disciples’ surprise at Jesus asking who touched Him – physical contact in such crowds was constant and expected. The use of ἀποθλίβω here emphasizes the extraordinary nature of this particular touch, distinguished from the general crushing pressure of the crowd.

The word also carries echoes of the wine press imagery common in both Hellenistic and Jewish culture, where grapes were pressed to extract their valuable juice. This connection creates a powerful metaphorical link to the pressure that would later be applied to the Messiah Himself in His sacrificial death.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀποθλίβω in Luke 8:45 reveals a profound theological truth about the nature of our Messiah. Despite being pressed upon by the crowd from all sides, Jesus remained aware of the one touch of faith. This demonstrates His divine omniscience while in human form and His personal attention to individual faith even amid chaos.

The word choice also presents a beautiful picture of the accessibility of the Messiah. Unlike other religious leaders who might have kept themselves separate from the crowds, Jesus allowed Himself to be pressed upon by the masses, showing His willingness to be touched by human need and suffering.

Personal Application

When we feel pressed on all sides by life’s circumstances, we can remember that our Messiah understands physical and spiritual pressure intimately. Just as He distinguished the touch of faith amid the crushing crowd, He remains aware of our individual reaches toward Him, no matter how chaotic our situations may seem.

This word reminds us that even when we feel hemmed in by pressures from every direction, we can still reach out and touch the Messiah with faith. He remains aware and responsive to each sincere touch of faith, even in the midst of surrounding turbulence.

Related Words

• θλίβω (thlibō, thlee’-bo) – to press, afflict; the root word describing general pressure or affliction. Shows the basic concept without the intensity of ἀποθλίβω See G2346
• συνθλίβω (synthLibō, soon-thlee’-bo) – to press together or crowd upon, emphasizing the collective nature of the pressure See G4918
• πιέζω (piezō, pee-ed’-zo) – to press down, squeeze; used for applying pressure from above See G4085
• ἐκπιέζω (ekpiezō, ek-pee-ed’-zo) – to press out, squeeze out completely See G1601

Did you Know?

• The same root word used in ἀποθλίβω was commonly used in ancient Greek medical texts to describe the compression of wounds or the application of pressure in medical procedures, suggesting a technical precision to Luke’s choice of words as a physician.
• The intensifying prefix ἀπό- in ἀποθλίβω suggests a pressure so complete that it leaves no space between the pressing object and what is being pressed upon – a vivid picture of the crushing crowd around Jesus.
• Modern Greek still uses the root θλίβω in words related to pressure and affliction, including the common word θλίψη (thlipsi) meaning “sorrow” or “affliction,” showing the enduring connection between physical and emotional pressure in Greek thought.

Remember This

ἀποθλίβω reminds us that even in our most pressing circumstances, the Messiah remains aware of and responsive to each individual touch of faith.