### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apopnígō**, represented by `{{G638}}`, is defined as **to stifle (by drowning or overgrowth):--choke**. Derived from ἀπό and πνίγω, this term conveys a sense of being completely overwhelmed or suffocated. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, illustrating two distinct methods of choking.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G638}}` is applied in both agricultural and narrative contexts. Two of its occurrences are in the Parable of the Sower, where seed that fell among thorns was ultimately **choked** by the overgrowth ([[Matthew 13:7]], [[Luke 8:7]]). The third instance describes a more violent end, where a herd of swine possessed by demons rushed into a lake and were **choked**, indicating they drowned [[Luke 8:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which `{{G638}}` is used:
* `{{G173}}` **ákantha** (thorn): This is the agent of choking in the parables, representing the hostile element that prevents growth [[Matthew 13:7]]. Thorns are used elsewhere to symbolize that which is unfruitful or cursed [[Hebrews 6:8]].
* `{{G1970}}` **epipnígō** (choke): Defined as to throttle upon or overgrow, this word appears alongside `{{G638}}` in one account, reinforcing the idea of the thorns overwhelming the good seed [[Luke 8:7]].
* `{{G3729}}` **hormáō** (run violently, rush): This term describes the frenzied movement of the herd of swine as they **ran violently** into the lake, leading directly to them being choked [[Luke 8:33]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G638}}` is primarily drawn from its use in the Parable of the Sower.
* **Worldly Obstruction:** The seed that is **choked** illustrates how a person's spiritual life can be suffocated. The thorns are explicitly identified as the "cares of this world," the "deceitfulness of riches," and the "pleasures of this life," which prevent the word from becoming fruitful ([[Matthew 13:22]], [[Luke 8:14]]).
* **Sudden Destruction:** The choking of the swine in the lake serves as a vivid depiction of a final, destructive end. It is the physical manifestation of judgment upon the demonic forces, which are cast out of the man only to meet a swift demise in the water [[Luke 8:33]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G638}}` is a potent term for complete suffocation. While its usage is infrequent, it provides a powerful metaphor in the Parable of the Sower for how worldly concerns can stifle spiritual life and prevent fruitfulness. Its literal use in describing the drowning of the swine highlights a sudden, violent end, illustrating the ultimate fate of destructive forces.
TRV