### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb *katanýssō* (`{{G2660}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition *katá* (`{{G2596}}`), meaning "down" or "thoroughly," and the verb *nýssō* (a root meaning "to prick" or "to sting"). The combination thus conveys the sense of "to pierce thoroughly" or "to sting deeply." Figuratively, its semantic range extends to describe a violent agitation or a profound emotional and spiritual impact, often likened to being "stung to the quick" or "pricked in the heart." This implies not merely a superficial wound, but a deep, penetrating conviction that reaches the very core of one's being, causing acute distress or profound realization.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb *katanýssō* (`{{G2660}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Acts 2:37]]. This singular occurrence is profoundly significant, describing the immediate reaction of the crowd to Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost. Following Peter's powerful exposition of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, whom they had crucified, the text states, "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
The phrase "pricked in their heart" (κατενύγησαν τὴν καρδίαν, *katenýgēsan tēn kardían*) vividly portrays the intense spiritual conviction that seized Peter's audience. It was not a mere intellectual understanding or casual agreement, but a profound, almost painful, realization of their complicity in the death of the Messiah. The truth of the Gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit, pierced their innermost being, exposing their sin and guilt. This deep internal agitation led directly to their urgent question, "What shall we do?", signifying a readiness for repentance and a desire for reconciliation with God. The unique use of *katanýssō* here underscores the immediate, overwhelming, and transformative effect of the Spirit-anointed preaching of the cross.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root *nýssō* implies a physical piercing or stinging, and its intensification with *katá* emphasizes the thoroughness of this penetration. While *katanýssō* is unique in its New Testament usage, its meaning resonates with several related biblical concepts and words:
* **Conviction:** The experience described by *katanýssō* is a powerful manifestation of divine conviction, a work of the Holy Spirit (cf. [[John 16:8]], where the Spirit "convicts the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment").
* **Repentance:** The "pricking of the heart" is the necessary precursor to genuine repentance (*metánoia* `{{G3341}}`), which involves a change of mind leading to a change of action (cf. [[Acts 2:38]]).
* **Contrite Heart:** The effect of *katanýssō* is akin to having a "broken and contrite heart" (cf. [[Psalm 51:17]]), a heart humbled and shattered by the realization of sin before God, which God does not despise.
* **Spiritual Awakening:** This piercing signifies a spiritual awakening, where previously hardened or ignorant hearts are suddenly made acutely aware of divine truth and their spiritual condition.
* **The Power of the Word:** The single occurrence of *katanýssō* powerfully illustrates the dynamic and penetrating power of God's Word when proclaimed by the Spirit (cf. [[Hebrews 4:12]], which describes the Word of God as "sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart").
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *katanýssō* (`{{G2660}}`) in [[Acts 2:37]] is profound. It highlights several critical aspects of God's redemptive work:
1. **Divine Initiative in Conviction:** The "pricking of the heart" is not a self-generated remorse but a divinely orchestrated work. It demonstrates the Holy Spirit's power to apply the truth of the Gospel directly and deeply to the human conscience, bringing about an undeniable awareness of sin and need for salvation. This is foundational to the New Covenant experience, where God writes His laws on hearts (cf. [[Jeremiah 31:33]]).
2. **The Efficacy of the Preached Word:** This verse powerfully affirms the transformative power of the Gospel message when proclaimed under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Peter's sermon was not merely informative; it was performative, actively engaging and changing the hearts of his listeners.
3. **The Necessity of Conviction for Repentance:** True repentance, leading to salvation, is not merely intellectual assent but stems from a deep, internal conviction of sin. The "pricking" signifies the painful but necessary confrontation with one's fallen state, which then motivates a turning to God. Without this deep conviction, repentance can be superficial or merely external.
4. **The Heart as the Seat of Spiritual Response:** The focus on the "heart" (καρδία, *kardía* `{{G2588}}`) emphasizes that genuine spiritual transformation occurs at the deepest level of one's being—the seat of intellect, emotion, and will. It is here that God's truth penetrates and elicits a saving response.
5. **The Gateway to Salvation:** This intense conviction, characterized by *katanýssō*, marks the crucial initial step in the salvation process for many. It is the moment when the hearer moves from indifference or hostility to a profound awareness of their spiritual need, prompting the cry, "What shall we do?" and opening the door for faith and baptism.
### Summary
*Katanýssō* (`{{G2660}}`) is a powerful Greek verb meaning "to pierce thoroughly" or "to sting deeply." Its singular, yet highly impactful, occurrence in [[Acts 2:37]] describes the profound spiritual conviction experienced by the audience of Peter's Pentecost sermon. This "pricking of the heart" signifies a deep, internal agitation and realization of sin, brought about by the Holy Spirit through the proclamation of the Gospel. Theologically, *katanýssō* underscores the divine initiative in conviction, the penetrating power of the Spirit-anointed Word, and the essential role of deep internal awareness of sin as a prerequisite for genuine repentance and salvation. It points to the heart as the primary locus of spiritual transformation, demonstrating how God's truth can shatter complacency and lead to a life-altering response.
TRV