Brief Overview of ἀποπνίγω (G638: Apopnígō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apopnígō

Root Words: The term ἀποπνίγω (apopnígō) is formed from the prefix ἀπό (apó, “from”) and πνίγω (pnígō, “to choke” or “to strangle”), indicating its meaning related to choking or suffocation.

Primary Meanings:

• To choke off or strangle.
• To suffocate or stifle by obstructing the airway or breath.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀποπνίγω as “to choke off” or “to strangle.” It emphasizes the action of choking or suffocating someone by cutting off their breathing.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀποπνίγω as “to strangle” or “to choke off,” highlighting its use in the context of suffocation by obstructing the airway.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀποπνίγω means “to choke” or “to strangle,” focusing on the act of suffocating by blocking the breath.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ defines ἀποπνίγω as “to strangle” or “to suffocate,” reflecting its use in contexts involving the obstruction of breathing.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἀποπνίγω as “to choke off” or “to strangle,” with a focus on the suffocating aspect of the term.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

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Homer (Iliad, 8th century BCE): Homer’s texts include references to choking or suffocating in battle contexts, demonstrating the use of similar terms related to πνίγω (pnígō).

Aristotle (On the Parts of Animals, 4th century BCE): Aristotle discusses various methods of strangulation and suffocation, illustrating the application of terms related to ἀποπνίγω in scientific and practical contexts.

Euripides (The Bacchae, 5th century BCE): Euripides’ plays contain references to choking and suffocation, reflecting the dramatic and symbolic use of terms like ἀποπνίγω in literature.

4. Summary:

ἀποπνίγω (apopnígō) means “to choke off” or “to strangle,” referring to the act of suffocating or obstructing someone’s breathing. The term is used to describe scenarios involving choking or suffocation. In classical Greek literature, similar terms appear in contexts of violence, scientific observation, and drama, illustrating its application in various situations involving the obstruction of breath. Understanding ἀποπνίγω provides insight into its role in describing suffocating actions in ancient texts.