Brief Overview of λικμάω (Strong’s G3039: likmáō)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is essential for deepening our grasp of Biblical texts, and λικμάω (likmáō) is a particularly compelling example. Appearing first in Matthew 21:44, this word provides significant insight into both the New Testament’s literary style and the cultural context of its composition. The word λικμάω is connected to themes of judgment and destruction, offering vivid imagery that helps to emphasize the consequences of rejecting God’s message. By examining this word, scholars and students can gain a better understanding of the linguistic and symbolic elements that shape New Testament theology and its interpretation.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: λικμάω (likmáō) [pronunciation: leek-MAH-oh].

Etymology: The term λικμάω is derived from the root word λικμός (likmós), meaning “winnowing” or “to scatter.” The verb λικμάω carries the sense of separating or scattering, especially in the context of grain or chaff.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, λικμάω follows typical Greek verb conjugation patterns, showing variations in tense, voice, and mood to convey different nuances of meaning in its usage.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Crush: One of the primary meanings of λικμάω is “to crush,” especially in the context of breaking something into small pieces. This meaning is particularly used to describe the action of crushing stones or hard objects.
2. To Winnow or Scatter: Another significant meaning of λικμάω involves the agricultural process of winnowing, where chaff is separated from grain. This metaphorical use emphasizes the idea of judgment and separation in biblical texts.

Exploring Similar Words

1. συντρίβω (syntríbō) [pronunciation: soon-TREE-boh]: This word means “to break” or “to shatter.” Unlike λικμάω, which implies a scattering or grinding process, συντρίβω focuses on the action of breaking apart something solid into pieces.
2. θραύω (thráō) [pronunciation: THRAH-oh]: Meaning “to crush” or “to bruise.” θραύω conveys a softer, more gradual breaking down than the more violent λικμάω, often implying a bruising or crushing that is less complete.
3. διασκορπίζω (diaskorpízō) [pronunciation: dee-as-kor-PEE-zoh]: This word means “to scatter abroad” or “to disperse.” It is similar to λικμάω in the sense of scattering, but it is often used in a broader sense for people or objects rather than the specific process of winnowing.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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Tense, Voice, Mood:
λικμάω is a verb that can appear in various tenses, voices, and moods. Here are some common forms:

• Present Indicative: λικμάω (I crush), λικμάεις (you crush), λικμάει (he/she/it crushes), λικμάομεν (we crush), λικμάετε (you all crush), λικμάουσι(ν) (they crush).
• Aorist Indicative: ἐλίκμησα (I crushed), ἐλίκμησας (you crushed), ἐλίκμησε(ν) (he/she/it crushed), ἐλικμήσαμεν (we crushed), ἐλικμήσατε (you all crushed), ἐλίκμησαν (they crushed).

Aspect: λικμάω can express both imperfective aspect (ongoing action) in the present tense and perfective aspect (completed action) in the aorist tense, providing flexibility in narrative and didactic contexts.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

In the lexicons, λικμάω is described in both its literal and metaphorical senses. In a literal sense, it denotes crushing or grinding actions. Metaphorically, λικμάω serves as a powerful image for divine judgment or destruction, particularly in separating the righteous from the wicked. The word’s use in Matthew 21:44 is especially poignant, as it illustrates the severity of rejecting the cornerstone—Christ Himself. Through this language, the New Testament highlights the consequences of such rejection, both for individuals and for the community at large.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 21:44 – “And he who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust [λικμάσει].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb λικμάω offers deep insights into both biblical and classical literature. In the New Testament, its usage emphasizes the grave consequences of rejecting divine authority, symbolized by the imagery of being “scattered like dust.” In classical Greek literature, it retains its literal and metaphorical uses, illustrating physical destruction or scattering. Understanding λικμάω enhances the reader’s comprehension of the text’s theological and cultural implications.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: The term λικμάω is closely associated with agricultural practices like winnowing, which involved separating valuable grain from worthless chaff.
• Fact 2: In Matthew 21:44, the word λικμάω metaphorically represents the scattering or crushing effect of divine judgment.
• Fact 3: In classical Greek, λικμάω is often used to describe military defeats where troops are scattered or utterly destroyed, reflecting its powerful connotation of disintegration.