The Greek word apánchomai, represented by G519, is a specific term used to describe the act of strangling oneself to death. Its definition is derived from ἀπό and a word meaning to choke. This word is exceedingly rare in scripture, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse.
The sole use of G519 is found in the account of Judas Iscariot's death. After returning his payment for betraying Jesus, he "cast down G4496 the pieces of silver G694 in G1722 the temple G3485, and departed G402, and G2532 went G565 and hanged himself G519" Matthew 27:5. The word captures the final, desperate action taken by Judas immediately following his departure from the temple.
Several related words in the surrounding verse provide a fuller picture of this event:
- G4496 rhíptō (cast down): This verb means "to fling" or "to deposit (as if a load)". It describes Judas's forceful rejection of the silver pieces in the temple.
- G402 anachōréō (departed): Meaning "to retire" or "withdraw self," this word signifies Judas's deliberate removal from the scene in the temple.
- G565 apérchomai (went): This word means "to go off" or "depart." It describes the final journey Judas took leading to the act of hanging himself.
The theological weight of G519 is tied directly to its singular, tragic context.
- Finality of Action: The definition "to strangle oneself off (i.e. to death)" underscores the irreversible and ultimate nature of the act.
- Physical Consequence: Its use in Matthew 27:5 presents a direct physical consequence following the act of casting down the silver, linking the rejection of his payment to his self-destruction.
- Isolation in Death: The preceding words describing departure—G402 and G565—emphasize a withdrawal and separation that culminates in the solitary act described by G519.
In summary, G519 is a highly specific and impactful word. While appearing only once, its placement in the narrative of Judas's final moments makes it significant. It doesn't just mean "to die," but points specifically to the method of self-strangulation, concluding a sequence of actions that begins with the rejection of the "pieces of silver" and ends with a final, solitary departure from life.
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