### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀποπνίγω (apopnígō), Strong's `{{G638}}`, is a compound word formed from the preposition ἀπό (apó), meaning "from, away from," often denoting completion or separation, and the verb πνίγω (pnigō), meaning "to choke, strangle, or suffocate." The combination intensifies the action of the base verb, indicating a complete and decisive stifling. Its semantic range thus encompasses the idea of "to choke completely," "to suffocate to death," or "to stifle entirely." The base definition provided specifies two primary contexts for this complete stifling: "by drowning" or "by overgrowth." This dual application highlights the destructive power of an external force that utterly suppresses life or vitality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of ἀποπνίγω in the New Testament are primarily found in the synoptic Gospels, used by Jesus in the Parable of the Sower/Soils, and once in the account of the Gadarene demoniacs.
In the Parable of the Sower, the word describes the fate of the seed sown among thorns:
* [[Matthew 13:7]]: "Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and *choked* them."
* [[Mark 4:7]]: "Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and *choked* it, and it yielded no grain."
* [[Luke 8:7]]: "Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and *choked* it."
In these verses, the "overgrowth" aspect of the definition is prominent. The thorns, representing worldly cares, riches, and pleasures, grow so profusely that they completely suffocate the nascent plants, preventing them from bearing fruit. The use of ἀποπνίγω emphasizes the *completeness* of this stifling – the plants are not merely hindered but utterly destroyed in their potential for fruitfulness.
Jesus' subsequent explanation of the parable further clarifies the spiritual application:
* [[Matthew 13:22]]: "As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches *choke* the word, and it proves unfruitful."
* [[Mark 4:19]]: "but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and *choke* the word, and it proves unfruitful."
* [[Luke 8:14]]: "As for what fell among thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are *choked* by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature."
Here, ἀποπνίγω vividly portrays how spiritual growth and the Word's effectiveness in a believer's life can be utterly suppressed by worldly distractions. The word suggests a slow, insidious process where external pressures gradually overwhelm and extinguish spiritual vitality, leading to spiritual barrenness.
The other significant occurrence is in the account of the Gadarene demoniacs:
* [[Luke 8:33]]: "Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and *drowned*."
In this context, ἀποπνίγω takes on the "by drowning" aspect of its definition. The pigs are not merely submerged but are completely suffocated and killed by the water. This usage underscores the destructive power of the demonic forces and the complete annihilation they bring.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words and concepts are closely related to ἀποπνίγω. The most direct relation is to its root, πνίγω (pnigō) `{{G4155}}`, which means "to choke" or "to strangle." The prefix ἀπό intensifies this basic meaning. Another related compound verb is συμπνίγω (sympnigō) `{{G4846}}`, meaning "to choke together" or "to stifle completely," which is sometimes used interchangeably or in parallel with ἀποπνίγω in some textual traditions or broader contexts of suffocation.
Thematically, ἀποπνίγω is linked to concepts of:
* **Unfruitfulness/Barrenness:** The primary consequence in the Parable of the Sower is the lack of spiritual fruit.
* **Spiritual Death/Suppression:** The word signifies the complete cessation of spiritual life or growth.
* **Worldliness:** The "thorns" represent the "cares of the world," "deceitfulness of riches," and "pleasures of life," which are the agents of spiritual suffocation.
* **Hindrance/Obstruction:** It describes what actively prevents the Word from taking root and flourishing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀποπνίγω is profound, primarily stemming from its use in the Parable of the Sower. It serves as a potent warning against the dangers of a divided heart and the insidious power of worldly distractions to nullify the transforming power of God's Word. The "choking" illustrates that merely hearing the Word is insufficient; it must be cultivated in a receptive heart free from overwhelming external pressures.
The word highlights that spiritual growth is not merely a passive process but requires active resistance against forces that seek to stifle it. The "thorns" are not external persecutions but internal desires and anxieties that compete for the heart's allegiance. When these preoccupations become dominant, they effectively "choke" the Word, rendering it unfruitful and leading to spiritual barrenness. This underscores the necessity of spiritual vigilance and prioritization of God's kingdom.
Furthermore, the use of ἀποπνίγω in the context of the drowning pigs in [[Luke 8:33]] reveals its broader implication of complete destruction and annihilation. This connection subtly reinforces the severity of the spiritual "choking" in the parable: it is not just a temporary setback but a complete suppression that leads to spiritual death or utter lack of fruit. It speaks to the ultimate consequence of allowing the "thorns" to prevail.
### Summary
ἀποπνίγω (apopnígō) `{{G638}}` is a powerful Greek verb signifying a complete and destructive stifling, whether by overgrowth or drowning. In the New Testament, its primary use is in the Parable of the Sower, where it vividly describes how worldly cares, riches, and pleasures "choke" the Word of God in the heart, rendering it unfruitful. This emphasizes the critical need for a receptive and unencumbered heart for spiritual growth. The term also appears in the account of the Gadarene demoniacs, depicting the complete "drowning" of the pigs, thereby underscoring its meaning of utter annihilation. Theologically, ἀποπνίγω serves as a solemn warning against the spiritual dangers of worldliness and divided loyalties, highlighting the potential for complete spiritual barrenness when the Word is stifled by competing affections and anxieties.
TRV