strengthened from πνέω; to wheeze, i.e. (causative, by implication) to throttle or strangle (drown):--choke, take by the throat.
Transliteration:pnígō
Pronunciation:pnee'-go
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4155 (πνίγω, *pnígō*) is derived from G4154 (πνέω, *pneō*), meaning "to breathe" or "to blow." As a strengthened form, pnígō signifies a forceful and violent cessation or obstruction of breath. Its core meaning encompasses the literal acts of strangulation, choking, or drowning, all of which involve the cutting off of air or life. The definition provided, "to wheeze, i.e. (causative, by implication) to throttle or strangle (drown)," highlights a progression from difficulty in breathing to the complete and often fatal obstruction of the respiratory process. This can be applied both physically and, as seen in the New Testament, metaphorically to represent the suppression or hindering of growth and vitality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4155 appears in the New Testament in two distinct contexts, both illustrative of its core meaning:
1. **The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 19; Luke 8:7, 14):** In this foundational parable, pnígō is used figuratively to describe the effect of "thorns" on the sown seed.
* In [[Matthew 13:7]], [[Mark 4:7]], and [[Luke 8:7]], the thorns are said to "choke" (ἔπνιξαν) the plants, preventing them from yielding a crop.
* The explanation of the parable clarifies what these "thorns" represent. In [[Matthew 13:22]], [[Mark 4:19]], and [[Luke 8:14]], the "cares of this world," the "deceitfulness of riches," and the "pleasures of life" are identified as the elements that "choke" (πνίγει, ἀποπνίγονται) the Word, rendering it unfruitful. Here, pnígō signifies the spiritual suffocation of the divine message within the heart, hindering its growth and preventing it from bearing the fruit of righteousness.
2. **The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:28):** Here, pnígō is used literally to describe a physical act of violence.
* [[Matthew 18:28]] recounts the servant who, having been forgiven a vast debt, encounters a fellow servant who owes him a small amount. The unmerciful servant "seized him and began to choke him (ἔπνιγεν), saying, 'Pay what you owe!'" This vivid imagery depicts a brutal, aggressive act of physical strangulation, underscoring the servant's extreme lack of mercy and his violent demand for payment.
These occurrences demonstrate the dual application of pnígō: a metaphorical choking of spiritual life and a literal, violent act of physical oppression.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical relationship for G4155 is its root, G4154 (πνέω, *pneō*), which means "to breathe" or "to blow." This connection highlights that pnígō is the forceful cessation or obstruction of the very act described by pneō.
Other related concepts include:
* **Hindrance/Obstruction:** The idea of something preventing growth or progress.
* **Suffocation:** Both literal and spiritual, the inability to thrive due to oppressive forces.
* **Barrenness/Unfruitfulness:** The outcome of the choking, particularly in the Parable of the Sower.
* **Oppression/Violence:** As seen in the unmerciful servant's actions.
* **Spiritual Warfare:** The "thorns" represent forces that actively work against the Word of God taking root and flourishing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G4155 is profound, particularly in its metaphorical usage within the Parable of the Sower. This parable serves as a critical warning about the dangers to spiritual growth and fruitfulness. The "choking" of the Word by the "cares of this world," the "deceitfulness of riches," and the "pleasures of life" highlights the insidious power of worldly attachments to suffocate faith. These elements, though not inherently evil, can become overwhelming distractions that divert attention and energy away from God's Word, preventing it from taking deep root and producing a harvest of righteousness. This emphasizes the necessity of a heart unencumbered by worldly anxieties and desires for genuine spiritual vitality.
In the context of the unmerciful servant, pnígō underscores the severity of unforgiveness and the radical demand for reciprocal mercy within the Christian community. The servant's act of literally "choking" his debtor stands in stark contrast to the master's boundless forgiveness, serving as a powerful illustration of the consequences of failing to extend to others the same grace one has received from God. It reveals a heart utterly devoid of compassion, demonstrating how a lack of mercy can lead to spiritual and relational destruction.
### Summary
The Greek word G4155 (πνίγω, *pnígō*) fundamentally means to choke, strangle, or drown, stemming from the concept of obstructing breath. Biblically, its usage is twofold: literally, it describes a violent act of physical strangulation, as seen in the unmerciful servant's assault in [[Matthew 18:28]]. More frequently and significantly, it is employed metaphorically in the Parable of the Sower ([[Matthew 13:7, 22]], [[Mark 4:7, 19]], [[Luke 8:7, 14]]) to depict how worldly anxieties, the allure of riches, and the pursuit of pleasure can "choke" the Word of God within a believer's heart, preventing spiritual growth and hindering the production of fruit. Theologically, pnígō serves as a potent warning against the spiritual dangers of worldly entanglement that suffocate faith, and as a stark illustration of the consequences of an unmerciful spirit. It underscores the critical need for a receptive and unencumbered heart for the Word of God to flourish and bear fruit unto eternal life.
TRV