### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G4156}}` (πνικτός, *pniktós*) is derived from the verb `{{G4155}}` (πνίγω, *pnigō*), which means "to choke," "to strangle," or "to drown." As an adjective, πνικτός describes something that has been "throttled" or "choked to death." In its specific usage within the New Testament, it functions as a neuter concrete noun, referring to an animal that has been killed by strangulation. The crucial implication of this method of death, particularly in a Jewish context, is that the animal's blood has not been properly drained from its body, as would be required by ritual slaughter (e.g., *shechita*). Thus, the word denotes "meat from an animal that has been strangled" and, by extension, "meat containing its blood."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G4156}}` appears exclusively in the book of Acts, specifically within the context of the Jerusalem Council's apostolic decree. It is found in two key passages:
* [[Acts 15:20]]: "but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled (πνικτός), and from blood."
* [[Acts 15:29]]: "that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled (πνικτός), and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell."
The inclusion of πνικτός in this decree is profoundly significant. The Jerusalem Council was convened to address the contentious issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law. The apostles and elders, guided by the Holy Spirit, determined that Gentiles were saved by grace through faith and were not bound by the ceremonial aspects of the Law. However, to foster unity and prevent unnecessary offense to Jewish believers, the council established four specific prohibitions for Gentile Christians. The prohibition against πνικτός meat is directly linked to the prohibition against consuming blood, a fundamental Old Testament command (e.g., [[Genesis 9:4]], [[Leviticus 17:10-14]], [[Deuteronomy 12:23-25]]). An animal killed by strangulation retains its blood, rendering it unacceptable for consumption according to Jewish dietary laws. This specific instruction aimed to create a common ground for fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers, respecting deeply held convictions rooted in God's Law concerning the sanctity of life and blood.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G4155}}` (πνίγω, *pnigō*):** The verbal root from which `{{G4156}}` is derived. This verb means "to choke," "to strangle," or "to drown." Its usage in the Synoptic Gospels, such as in the parable of the sower where thorns "choke" the word ([[Matthew 13:7]], [[Mark 4:7]]), illustrates the destructive nature of being stifled or overpowered. In the context of πνικτός, it refers to the specific method of killing an animal.
* **`{{G129}}` (αἷμα, *haima* - blood):** This is inextricably linked to `{{G4156}}` in the apostolic decree. The core reason for prohibiting πνικτός meat is that it contains the animal's blood. The sanctity of blood, representing life, is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, culminating in the atoning blood of Christ.
* **`{{G1494}}` (εἰδωλόθυτον, *eidōlothuton* - things offered to idols):** Another key prohibition in the Acts 15 decree. While πνικτός and αἷμα address Jewish dietary sensitivities, εἰδωλόθυτον addresses pagan religious practices.
* **`{{G4202}}` (πορνεία, *porneia* - sexual immorality):** The fourth prohibition in the decree, representing a universal moral standard applicable to all believers.
* **Old Testament Dietary Laws (e.g., Kashrut):** The concept of πνικτός directly engages with the broader Old Testament framework for clean and unclean foods, particularly the strict regulations concerning the draining of blood from slaughtered animals.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4156}}` lies primarily in its role within the Jerusalem Council's decree, illuminating several crucial aspects of early Christian theology and practice:
* **Unity and Fellowship:** The prohibition of πνικτός meat, alongside blood, idolatry, and sexual immorality, served as a practical means to foster unity and facilitate table fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers. It demonstrated a willingness to make concessions on matters not essential for salvation, out of love and respect for the conscience of fellow believers ([[Romans 14:13-23]], [[1 Corinthians 8:1-13]]). This highlights the paramount importance of loving one another and avoiding stumbling blocks.
* **Continuity of Moral and Ethical Principles:** While the ceremonial law was fulfilled in Christ, the inclusion of πνικτός and blood in the decree underscores the enduring validity of certain foundational ethical and moral principles from the Old Testament. The prohibition against consuming blood, in particular, predates the Mosaic Law (e.g., [[Genesis 9:4]]) and points to the sanctity of life, which belongs to God.
* **Pastoral Wisdom:** The apostolic decree exemplifies profound pastoral wisdom. It navigated a sensitive cultural and theological divide by distinguishing between core salvific requirements and practical matters of inter-community relations. The decision concerning πνικτός was not about legalism but about practical love and mutual edification within the nascent church.
* **The Sanctity of Life and Blood:** Ultimately, the proscription against πνικτός meat reinforces the biblical teaching on the sacredness of life, represented by blood. God alone is the giver and sustainer of life, and the reverence for blood reflects this divine prerogative. This resonates deeply with the New Testament emphasis on the atoning power of Christ's shed blood, which grants eternal life.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G4156}}` (πνικτός) denotes "strangled" meat, specifically an animal killed without its blood being drained. Its singular but pivotal appearance in the New Testament, within the apostolic decree of [[Acts 15:20]] and [[Acts 15:29]], reveals its profound significance for the early church. The prohibition against consuming πνικτός meat was a practical measure, alongside abstaining from blood, things offered to idols, and sexual immorality, designed to foster unity and harmonious fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers. It reflected a deep respect for Jewish dietary sensitivities, particularly the sanctity of blood and life as articulated in the Old Testament. The inclusion of πνικτός in the decree underscores the early church's commitment to practical love, pastoral wisdom, and the enduring ethical principles of Scripture, all for the sake of the gospel's advance and the building up of the body of Christ.
TRV