### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sympnígō**, represented by `{{G4846}}`, means to **choke** or **throng**. Its definition is to strangle completely. Appearing **5 times** across **5 unique verses**, this term is used both literally to describe a crowd pressing in, and figuratively to illustrate a spiritual obstruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4846}}` appears in two distinct contexts. It is used figuratively in the Parable of the Sower to describe how thorns **choked** the seed [[Mark 4:7]]. This is further explained as the "care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches," which **choke** the word and cause it to become unfruitful ([[Matthew 13:22]], [[Mark 4:19]]). The word is also used literally to describe a crowd of people that **thronged** Jesus as he was on his way to heal a dying girl [[Luke 8:42]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of being choked or crowded out:
* `{{G173}}` **ákantha** (thorn): These are the agents of the figurative choking. In the parable, the **thorns** grew up and **choked** the seed that fell among them [[Mark 4:7]].
* `{{G175}}` **ákarpos** (unfruitful): This is the direct result when the word is choked. The seed choked by worldly cares "becometh **unfruitful**" ([[Matthew 13:22]], [[Mark 4:19]]).
* `{{G3308}}` **mérimna** (care): This is one of the primary spiritual forces that performs the choking. The "**cares** of this world" are explicitly identified as a cause of spiritual unfruitfulness [[Mark 4:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4846}}` lies in its powerful depiction of spiritual hindrance.
* **Spiritual Obstruction:** The word illustrates how external pressures can overwhelm and neutralize the effect of God's word. These pressures are identified as **cares** `{{G3308}}`, **riches** `{{G4149}}`, and pleasures of this life [[Luke 8:14]].
* **Cause of Unfruitfulness:** To be **choked** is to become spiritually barren. The hearer of the word who is overcome by these worldly concerns is unable to "bring fruit to perfection" [[Luke 8:14]].
* **Overwhelming Pressure:** Whether it is a literal crowd pressing in on Jesus [[Luke 8:42]] or the figurative cares of the world, `{{G4846}}` conveys a sense of being completely crowded out and constricted, preventing forward movement or growth.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4846}}` is a vivid term that means to **choke** or **throng**. Its use in scripture highlights both a literal, physical crowding and a more profound, figurative strangling of spiritual life. It serves as a stark warning of how the **deceitfulness** `{{G539}}` of **riches** `{{G4149}}` and worldly **cares** `{{G3308}}` can prevent the word of God from producing fruit in a believer's life.
TRV