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.
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.
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.
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.
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