### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apeiléō**, represented by `{{G546}}`, is used to mean **to menace** or, by implication, **to forbid**. This verb of uncertain derivation appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its rarity makes its specific contexts particularly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G546}}` appears in two contrasting situations. First, it is used by the religious authorities who, trying to stop the spread of the apostles' message, decide to **threaten** them to prevent them from speaking in Jesus' name [[Acts 4:17]]. Here, threatening is a tool of prohibition and intimidation. The second use presents a divine model in response to hostility: when Jesus suffered and was reviled, he did **not threaten** in return, but entrusted himself to God [[1 Peter 2:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning and context of `{{G546}}`:
* `{{G547}}` **apeilḗ** (a menace:--X straitly, threatening): This is the noun form of the verb. It is used in [[Acts 4:17]] in conjunction with `{{G546}}` to emphasize the "straitly threaten" command and also appears in the believers' prayer responding to these **threatenings** [[Acts 4:29]].
* `{{G3958}}` **páschō** (to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful):--feel, passion, suffer, vex): This word establishes the context for Christ's refusal to threaten. It was specifically "when he **suffered**" that he chose not to menace his persecutors [[1 Peter 2:23]].
* `{{G3058}}` **loidoréō** (to reproach, i.e. vilify:--revile): This describes the verbal abuse Jesus endured. He was **reviled**, but did not threaten in response [[1 Peter 2:23]].
* `{{G486}}` **antiloidoréō** (to rail in reply:--revile again): Used alongside `{{G3058}}`, this word specifies that Jesus did not **revile again**, further detailing his non-retaliatory posture [[1 Peter 2:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G546}}` is demonstrated through its starkly different applications.
* **A Tool of Worldly Opposition:** The use of `{{G546}}` in Acts highlights threatening as a method employed by human powers to oppose and suppress the divine message. The authorities use menace to try and forbid the apostles from speaking [[Acts 4:17]].
* **The Example of Christ:** In contrast, the refusal to **threaten** is a hallmark of Christ's righteous response to injustice. When he suffered, he did not resort to menace, instead demonstrating a path of trust in God's ultimate judgment [[1 Peter 2:23]].
* **A Model for Believers:** This example is set within the context of instruction for believers who **suffer** `{{G3958}}` for righteousness' sake [[1 Peter 3:14]]. The refusal to threaten while suffering is presented as the proper conduct for those following Christ's path.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G546}}` is more than a simple verb for menacing. Its two appearances create a powerful theological dichotomy. It represents the coercive tactics of worldly authorities attempting to silence the truth [[Acts 4:17]], while its absence in Christ's actions during his suffering provides a profound example of righteous endurance and trust in God [[1 Peter 2:23]]. The word thus serves to contrast human methods of control with the divine character displayed by Christ.
TRV