### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **siniázō**, represented by `{{G4617}}`, means to riddle or, figuratively, to **sift**. Based on the base word for a sieve, this term appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its single usage highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G4617}}` is in a warning from the Lord to Simon Peter. The Lord states, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may **sift** you as wheat" [[Luke 22:31]]. In this context, the word is used figuratively to describe a severe trial or test. The action is not a gentle shaking but a violent riddling intended to agitate and separate, initiated by Satan for a hostile purpose.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide crucial context for the act of sifting:
* `{{G1809}}` **exaitéomai** (to demand (for trial):--desire): This word clarifies that the sifting is not a random event but one that Satan has explicitly demanded. It is used in the same verse, showing Satan "hath **desired**" to carry out this trial [[Luke 22:31]].
* `{{G4567}}` **Satanâs** (the accuser, i.e. the devil:--Satan): This identifies the agent performing the sifting. Satan is presented as the great adversary, described as "the accuser" [[Revelation 12:9]] and the source of a power from which people must be turned [[Acts 26:18]].
* `{{G4621}}` **sîtos** (grain, especially wheat:--corn, wheat): This word provides the object of the analogy. The disciples are to be sifted like **wheat**, a valuable grain that is gathered into a garner while the worthless chaff is burned away [[Matthew 3:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4617}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful image.
* **Hostile Spiritual Testing:** The act of sifting represents an aggressive spiritual trial demanded `{{G1809}}` by Satan `{{G4567}}`. The purpose is to violently test the foundation of a believer's faith [[Luke 22:31]].
* **A Trial of Separation:** The metaphor of sifting **wheat** `{{G4621}}` points to a process of separation. Just as a sieve separates grain from chaff, this trial is meant to distinguish true faith from what is superficial, similar to the parables where **wheat** is separated from tares [[Matthew 13:30]].
* **Adversarial Intent:** The source of the sifting is **Satan**, "the accuser" [[Revelation 12:9]], whose intent is destructive. The trial is not for refinement from a divine perspective but for ruin from an adversarial one.
### Summary
In summary, **siniázō** `{{G4617}}` provides a stark and memorable picture of spiritual warfare. Though used only once, its context in [[Luke 22:31]] defines it as a severe, hostile trial demanded by Satan. The powerful analogy of sifting wheat illustrates a test designed to shake a believer to their core, revealing the true nature of their faith.
TRV