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.
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.
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.
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.
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