### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G4617}}` (siniázō) derives from the noun for a sieve (σίνιον, *sinion*). Its core meaning is "to sift" or "to riddle," specifically the action of separating grain from chaff or other impurities using a sieve. The provided definition explicitly states its usage is "figurative." This indicates that the word is not used in its literal agricultural sense in the New Testament, but rather to convey a metaphorical process of intense testing, agitation, or scrutiny. The semantic range thus extends to ideas of severe trial, thorough examination, and the violent shaking out of hidden elements, aiming to separate the true from the false, or the genuine from the superficial. It implies a disruptive and challenging process designed to reveal the underlying nature or quality of that which is being sifted.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G4617}}` appears only once in the New Testament, in the critical passage of [[Luke 22:31]]. Here, Jesus addresses Simon Peter, stating, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat." The "you" (ὑμᾶς) in this initial statement is plural, indicating that Satan's desire to sift extended to all the disciples, not just Peter. This collective sifting implies a period of intense trial and temptation that would affect the entire group, challenging their faith and commitment.
The imagery of "sifting like wheat" is potent. In ancient agriculture, sifting was a violent process involving tossing the grain into the air or shaking it vigorously in a sieve, allowing the heavier, valuable wheat to fall through while the lighter, worthless chaff was blown away by the wind or remained in the sieve to be discarded. This metaphor powerfully conveys Satan's intent: to subject the disciples to a severe, agitating trial designed to expose their weaknesses, separate them from Christ, and ultimately to destroy their faith, much like chaff is separated and discarded. The intensity of this demand from Satan underscores the gravity of the spiritual battle at hand.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "sifting" in `{{G4617}}` connects to several related biblical themes and words:
* **Testing and Trial:** The idea of a divine or adversarial testing is prominent. This relates to words like `{{G3986}}` (peirasmos), meaning "temptation" or "trial," and `{{G1382}}` (dokimazō), meaning "to test," "to prove," or "to approve after testing." The sifting process is a form of severe trial.
* **Purification and Refinement:** The outcome of sifting, like refining precious metals, is often purification. Concepts of refining gold or silver by fire (e.g., `{{H6884}}`, *tsaraph*, in the Old Testament, or `{{G4448}}`, *pyroō*, in the New Testament) share the aim of removing impurities to reveal purity.
* **Separation of Wheat and Chaff:** This is the direct agricultural imagery underpinning `{{G4617}}`. Similar imagery is found in the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus, where the righteous are likened to wheat gathered into the barn, and the wicked to chaff destined for burning (e.g., [[Matthew 3:12]], [[Luke 3:17]]). The sifting process aims to effect this separation.
* **Satan's Role:** The passage in Luke explicitly names Satan as the one demanding to sift. This connects `{{G4617}}` to the broader biblical understanding of Satan as the accuser (e.g., [[Revelation 12:10]]), tempter (e.g., [[1 Thessalonians 3:5]]), and adversary (e.g., [[1 Peter 5:8]]), who seeks to undermine the faith of believers.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of `{{G4617}}` in [[Luke 22:31]] carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Permissiveness and Sovereignty:** The phrase "Satan demanded to have you" implies that Satan sought permission, which was granted by God. This highlights God's ultimate sovereignty even over the schemes of evil. God permits such trials, not for destruction, but for His own redemptive purposes, often leading to purification and strengthening of faith.
* **The Purpose of Trials:** While Satan's intent in sifting is destructive (to scatter, to cause to fall), God's purpose in allowing it is often redemptive. The sifting process, though painful, serves to expose superficiality, refine genuine faith, and reveal true spiritual character. It is a crucible for growth.
* **Christ's Intercession:** Crucially, immediately following the warning of sifting, Jesus declares to Peter, "but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail" ([[Luke 22:32]]). This reveals the active, powerful intercession of Christ as a safeguard for His disciples during intense spiritual warfare. Even when permitted to attack, Satan's power is limited by Christ's prevailing prayer, ensuring that the ultimate outcome is not the complete failure of faith, but its strengthening.
* **The Nature of Faith:** The sifting process tests the genuineness and resilience of faith. It distinguishes between a superficial adherence and a deeply rooted trust in God. Peter's subsequent denial and restoration serve as a powerful illustration of this sifting and the grace that upholds even a failing faith.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G4617}}` (siniázō) vividly describes a severe, agitating process of "sifting," akin to separating wheat from chaff. Though it appears only once in [[Luke 22:31]], its single use is profoundly significant, depicting Satan's demand to subject the disciples to a rigorous trial designed to expose and potentially destroy their faith. The imagery underscores the intensity of spiritual warfare. Theologically, `{{G4617}}` highlights God's sovereign permission over such trials, the refining purpose behind them, and most critically, the preserving power of Christ's intercession, which ensures that even amidst the most severe sifting, the faith of His chosen ones will not utterly fail. It is a process of divine refinement, not ruin.
TRV