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 word **pímprēmi**, represented by `{{G4092}}`, is defined as to fire, or to burn, but is used figuratively and passively to mean becoming inflamed or, in its sole biblical use, to be **swollen**. This word is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, making its context highly specific and significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{G4092}}` occurs in the narrative of Paul's shipwreck on Malta. After being bitten by a viper, the local inhabitants watched him, fully expecting a fatal reaction. The text states they looked for him to have **swollen** `{{G4092}}` or to have fallen down `{{G2667}}` dead `{{G3498}}` suddenly `{{G869}}`. When a great while passed and they saw `{{G2334}}` no harm `{{G824}}` come to him, their expectation was subverted, and they dramatically changed their minds `{{G3328}}`, proclaiming he was a god `{{G2316}}` [[Acts 28:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only context illuminate the meaning of `{{G4092}}`:
* `{{G4328}}` **prosdokáō** (to anticipate; to await): This describes the crowd’s state of expectation, as they were looking for the swelling and death that should have resulted from the snakebite [[Acts 28:6]].
* `{{G2667}}` **katapíptō** (to fall down): This was the alternative outcome the people anticipated alongside being swollen. It highlights the mortal danger Paul was believed to be in [[Acts 28:6]].
* `{{G824}}` **átopos** (improper, injurious, wicked): Translated as "harm" in this passage, this word describes the negative consequence that failed to materialize, proving the crowd's expectation wrong [[Acts 28:6]].
* `{{G3328}}` **metabállō** (to turn about in opinion): The absence of swelling `{{G4092}}` directly caused the onlookers to change their minds about Paul, demonstrating the pivotal role of this physical sign in the narrative [[Acts 28:6]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G4092}}` is drawn entirely from this singular event.
* **Subversion of Natural Law:** The expectation of Paul becoming **swollen** represents the natural, physical consequence of a viper bite. The absence of this reaction serves as a clear sign of divine intervention and protection over God's servant.
* **A Catalyst for Belief:** The failure of this physical malady to appear was the direct cause for the people to change their minds `{{G3328}}`. While their conclusion that Paul was a god `{{G2316}}` was incorrect, the sign opened them up to the reality of supernatural power.
* **Proof of Divine Preservation:** The story uses the expectation of a fatal swelling to demonstrate that no harm `{{G824}}` would come to Paul. It serves as a powerful illustration of God's power to preserve his messengers against deadly threats [[Acts 28:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4092}}` is a highly specific term whose meaning is entirely contained within its single use in scripture. The expectation that Paul would have **swollen** from a viper's bite creates a moment of dramatic tension. Its failure to occur serves as the turning point in the narrative, illustrating God's supernatural protection and acting as a powerful, albeit misinterpreted, sign to the unbelieving onlookers.
TRV