a reduplicated and prolonged form of a primary ; which occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses); to fire, i.e. burn (figuratively and passively, become inflamed with fever):--be (X should have) swollen.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb πίμπρημι (pímprēmi, `{{G4092}}`) is a reduplicated and prolonged form of a primary root, conveying the sense of "to fire" or "to burn." Its semantic range extends from a literal conflagration to a more figurative and passive sense of internal inflammation or swelling, particularly associated with fever or the effects of poison. The primary biblical usage aligns with this latter, passive meaning, denoting the physical manifestation of becoming "swollen" or "inflamed." This suggests an internal process, often painful or pathological, resulting in a visible outward enlargement. The root concept of "burning" underlies the idea of inflammation or fever, where the body experiences an internal heat.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb πίμπρημι (pímprēmi, `{{G4092}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in a highly significant narrative:
* **[[Acts 28:6]]**: "However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god."
In this passage, Paul has just been bitten by a viper on the island of Malta. The local inhabitants, witnessing the event, fully expect Paul to "swell up" (πίμπρημι) or die as a consequence of the venomous bite. Their expectation reflects a common understanding of the severe, often fatal, effects of such a bite, which typically include swelling, inflammation, and eventual death. The use of πίμπρημι here precisely captures the visible, pathological swelling that would accompany the viper's poison. The fact that Paul suffers no harm, contrary to their expectation, serves as a powerful divine sign, demonstrating God's protective power over His servant.
### Related Words & Concepts
While πίμπρημι (pímprēmi, `{{G4092}}`) itself is rare, its underlying semantic field connects it to several related concepts:
* **Burning/Fire**: The root meaning of "to burn" links it to words like πῦρ (pyr, `{{G4442}}`, "fire") or verbs like κάω (kaō, `{{G2545}}`, "to burn") and φλογίζω (phlogizō, `{{G5394}}`, "to set on fire, inflame"). Although πίμπρημι in its biblical context does not describe literal burning, the notion of internal heat or inflammation is conceptually present.
* **Poison/Venom**: The context of [[Acts 28:6]] directly relates πίμπρημι to the effects of venom. The Greek word for poison or venom is ἰός (ios, `{{G2447}}`). The swelling described by πίμπρημι is the direct physical manifestation of the venom's work in the body.
* **Sickness/Disease**: The state of being "swollen" due to a bite is a form of physical affliction, conceptually linking it to general terms for sickness or disease, such as ἀσθένεια (astheneia, `{{G769}}`, "weakness, sickness") or νόσος (nosos, `{{G3554}}`, "disease, illness").
* **Divine Protection/Miracle**: Fundamentally, the context of πίμπρημι in Acts 28 points to the miraculous intervention of God. The absence of the expected swelling highlights God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to protect His chosen instruments from harm, even in the face of natural dangers.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of πίμπρημι (pímprēmi, `{{G4092}}`) in [[Acts 28:6]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a potent demonstration of God's miraculous power and protective care for His apostles.
1. **Divine Protection**: The fact that Paul did not "swell up" despite being bitten by a venomous snake underscores God's faithfulness to His promise of protection for those who serve Him (cf. [[Mark 16:18]]). It is a tangible sign that Paul was under divine favor and protection, even in seemingly dire circumstances.
2. **Affirmation of Apostolic Authority**: The Maltese islanders initially perceived Paul as a criminal deserving of death by divine retribution, but upon witnessing his immunity to the viper's venom, they concluded he was a god. This dramatic shift in perception, while misdirected in its conclusion, nevertheless opened a door for Paul's ministry among them, validating his message through a powerful sign.
3. **God's Sovereignty Over Creation**: The incident highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including dangerous creatures and their natural effects. The venom's power was nullified by a higher power, demonstrating that even the forces of nature are subject to the will of God.
4. **A Sign for Evangelism**: The miracle of Paul's immunity to the viper's bite was not merely for his personal safety but served as a compelling sign that prepared the hearts of the Maltese people to receive the gospel. It was a pre-evangelistic work of God, demonstrating His power and goodness before Paul even began to preach.
### Summary
The Greek verb πίμπρημι (pímprēmi, `{{G4092}}`) fundamentally means "to burn" or "to inflame," but in its sole New Testament appearance in [[Acts 28:6]], it specifically denotes "to swell up" as a result of a venomous bite. This rare but significant occurrence vividly portrays the expected physical consequence of a viper's poison. The theological significance of this word is deeply embedded in the narrative of Paul's experience on Malta. The absence of the expected swelling served as a powerful testament to God's miraculous protection over His servant, affirming Paul's apostolic authority and demonstrating God's sovereignty over creation. This divine intervention not only preserved Paul's life but also prepared the hearts of the Maltese people for the reception of the gospel, showcasing God's power as a precursor to evangelism.
TRV