### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀπάγχομαι (`{{G519}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἀπό (`{{G575}}`), meaning "from, off, away from," and a root related to "choking" or "strangling." The base root is akin to ἀγκάλη (ankale, arm), suggesting an embrace or constriction. The prefix ἀπό here functions to intensify the action or indicate its completion, leading to the sense of strangling *off* or *to death*. The middle voice ending (-omai) indicates that the action is performed by the subject upon themselves. Thus, the core meaning of ἀπάγχομαι is "to strangle oneself," specifically "to hang oneself." Its semantic range is exceptionally narrow, confined to this singular, self-destructive act.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἀπάγχομαι (`{{G519}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Matthew:
* [[Matthew 27:5]]: "And casting down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed, and went and hanged himself."
This solitary occurrence describes the tragic fate of Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus. Following his act of betrayal, Judas is overcome with remorse (μεταμέλομαι, `{{G3338}}`), returns the thirty pieces of silver, and then commits suicide by hanging. This verse stands as a stark and somber conclusion to Judas's narrative in Matthew, highlighting the profound despair and self-condemnation that engulfed him. While [[Acts 1:18]] offers a different description of Judas's death (falling headlong and bursting open), scholars often reconcile these accounts by suggesting that the hanging led to a fall, or that the rope broke, resulting in the subsequent gruesome scene described in Acts. In the context of ἀπάγχομαι, the emphasis is squarely on the deliberate act of self-strangulation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἀπάγχομαι (`{{G519}}`) benefits from an understanding of related lexical and conceptual fields:
* ἀπό (`{{G575}}`): The preposition forming part of the compound, signifying separation, completion, or intensity.
* πνίγω (`{{G4155}}`): A more general verb meaning "to choke" or "to strangle," without necessarily implying self-infliction or death.
* ἀγχόνη (`{{G436}}`): A noun meaning "a rope" or "a noose," directly related to the action of choking or hanging.
* θάνατος (`{{G2288}}`): "Death," the ultimate outcome of the act described by ἀπάγχομαι.
* μεταμέλομαι (`{{G3338}}`): "To regret" or "to feel remorse," the specific emotion attributed to Judas before his act, contrasting with true repentance (μετάνοια, `{{G3341}}`).
* προδίδωμι (`{{G4272}}`): "To betray," the specific sin committed by Judas that led to his despair.
* Suicide: The broader concept of self-inflicted death, which ἀπάγχομαι directly describes in a specific manner.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀπάγχομαι (`{{G519}}`) is profound, stemming entirely from its unique association with Judas Iscariot. It marks the tragic and self-inflicted end of the man who betrayed the Son of God.
* **Despair vs. Repentance:** The act of hanging oneself stands in stark contrast to the true repentance experienced by Peter after denying Jesus. While Judas felt μεταμέλομαι (remorse, `{{G3338}}`), his sorrow was not "godly sorrow that produces repentance leading to salvation" ([[2 Corinthians 7:10]]), but rather a worldly sorrow that led to death. This highlights the crucial distinction between mere regret over consequences and a genuine turning to God for forgiveness and restoration.
* **Consequence of Unredeemed Guilt:** Judas's act of suicide underscores the crushing weight of unredeemed guilt and the utter hopelessness that can consume a soul when divine grace is rejected or not sought. It serves as a grim warning about the spiritual abyss into which one can fall when confronted with the enormity of one's sin without turning to the source of forgiveness.
* **Ultimate Self-Condemnation:** The physical act of hanging oneself is a powerful symbol of ultimate self-condemnation and the final rejection of life, both physical and spiritual. It represents a complete surrender to despair and an inability to conceive of redemption or mercy.
* **Divine Justice (Indirectly):** While a self-inflicted death, it is often seen as an act that, in its tragic finality, aligns with the severe spiritual consequences of such a profound betrayal.
### Summary
ἀπάγχομαι (`{{G519}}`) is a precise Greek verb meaning "to hang oneself" or "to strangle oneself to death." Its composition from ἀπό (`{{G575}}`) and a root for choking emphasizes the completed, self-inflicted nature of the act. The word's singular appearance in the New Testament in [[Matthew 27:5]] exclusively describes the tragic suicide of Judas Iscariot. Theologically, ἀπάγχομαι serves as a potent symbol of ultimate despair, unredeemed guilt, and the dire consequences of a "worldly sorrow" that fails to lead to genuine repentance. It stands as a stark and reverent reminder of the profound spiritual stakes involved in one's response to sin and the offer of divine grace.
TRV