The Greek word pniktós, represented by G4156, refers to that which is strangled. Derived from a root meaning to throttle or choke, it describes an animal killed without its blood being drained. It appears only 3 times in 3 unique verses, making it a highly specific term used in a distinct context within the New Testament.
All three biblical occurrences of G4156 are found in the book of Acts and are central to the Jerusalem Council's decree for Gentile believers. The council instructed that Gentiles should abstain from several practices, including eating "things strangled" Acts 15:20. This directive is repeated for clarity and emphasis, instructing believers to abstain from "meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled" Acts 15:29. The instruction is later referenced again when summarizing the conclusions for Gentile believers, urging them to keep themselves from what is "strangled" Acts 21:25.
The context of G4156 is defined by a consistent group of related words that appear alongside it in the Jerusalem decree:
- G567 apéchomai (to hold oneself off, i.e. refrain): This is the command verb used in relation to G4156. Believers are told they must abstain from things strangled (Acts 15:20, Acts 15:29).
- G1494 eidōlóthyton (an image-sacrifice): This refers to meat offered to idols, a practice from which Gentiles were also commanded to abstain (Acts 15:29, Acts 21:25).
- G129 haîma (blood): The prohibition against eating blood is directly connected to G4156, as a strangled animal is one that is not bled. This prohibition appears in all three verses alongside things strangled (Acts 15:20, Acts 15:29, Acts 21:25).
- G4202 porneía (harlotry): This moral prohibition against fornication is listed with the dietary ones, showing that the decree covered both ethical and practical matters for the early church (Acts 15:20, Acts 15:29).
The theological and practical weight of G4156 comes from its role in the life of the early church.
- Separation from Pagan Rituals: The command to abstain from things strangled, along with blood and food sacrificed to idols, served to distinguish the practices of believers from surrounding pagan and idolatrous customs (Acts 15:20, Acts 15:29).
- Unity Between Believers: These instructions were established to facilitate fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers, addressing key points of contention to preserve church unity Acts 21:25.
- A Call to Holiness: Abstaining G567 from these things was presented as a path to "do well" Acts 15:29. This same word is used to call believers to abstain from fornication G4202 as part of their sanctification 1 Thessalonians 4:3 and from evil in general 1 Thessalonians 5:22.
In summary, G4156 is a precise term for "strangled," specifically referring to meat from an animal choked to death. Its exclusive use in Acts within the Jerusalem decree highlights a key practical decision for the early church. By being consistently listed with prohibitions against idolatry, blood, and fornication, it underscores a foundational standard for Gentile believers designed to promote holiness, unity, and a clear separation from pagan worship.
TRV