ἀποπνίγω

I suffocate, choke, drown, stop the growth of

Definition

The verb ἀποπνίγω means to choke, suffocate, or drown, often implying a violent or forceful suppression of life or growth. In its literal sense, it describes physical suffocation or drowning, as seen when demons cause a herd of pigs to drown in Luke 8:33. In a metaphorical agricultural sense, it describes how thorns 'choke' or smother growing plants, stopping their development and fruitfulness, as in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:7, Luke 8:7). Thus, the word encompasses both the ending of physical life and the stifling of potential.

Biblical Usage

ἀποπνίγω is used three times in the New Testament, all in the Gospels. It appears twice in the Parable of the Sower to describe thorns choking young plants (Matthew 13:7, Luke 8:7), illustrating spiritual hindrance. The third use is in the narrative of the Gerasene demoniac, where the unclean spirits enter a herd of pigs, which then rush down a steep bank and drown (ἀποπνίγω) in the lake (Luke 8:33). This shows a literal, violent death by drowning.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, meaning 'away from' or indicating separation) and the verb πνίγω (pnigō, 'to choke, strangle'). The compound form intensifies the sense of choking or suffocating to the point of death or complete suppression. The root idea is of constriction or pressure that cuts off life or growth.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it illustrates key spiritual realities. In the Parable of the Sower, it symbolizes how 'the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word' (Matthew 13:22), teaching about obstacles to spiritual growth and fruitfulness. In Luke 8:33, the drowning of the pigs demonstrates Jesus's authority over destructive spiritual forces and the dramatic, costly consequence of their expulsion. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by connecting the physical act of choking to the spiritual danger of being overwhelmed by worldly concerns.

In the agricultural context of the parable, listeners would readily understand the threat thorns posed to crops, making the metaphor of spiritual suffocation vivid. The drowning of the pigs would have been a striking, wasteful event to a Jewish audience (for whom pigs were unclean) and a financially devastating loss to the herd's owners, highlighting the power and disruptive authority of Jesus's command.

πνίγω (pnigō, G4155) — The simpler root verb meaning to choke or strangle, without the intensive prefix. πνίγω can be used more generally, while ἀποπνίγω often implies a completed, fatal action.

Word Details

Scripture References