κατανύσσω (G2660) — Greek Lexicon

κατανύσσω

katanýssō

G2660 verb

SILEX Entry

Root νύσσω to pierce, to stab, to prick

Definition

To pierce deeply or through, chiefly in a physical sense; by extension, to affect emotionally or mentally to the point of acute inner disturbance. In figurative contexts, indicates being deeply moved or emotionally struck, often with a sense of compunction or distress upon realizing something significant.

Semantic Range

to pierce thoroughly, to stab deeply, to agitate emotionally, to be deeply affected (emotionally or spiritually), to be stricken (with remorse or compunction), to experience intense inner disturbance

Root / Etymology

Derived from the prepositional prefix κατά ('down,' 'throughout,' intensifying) and the verb νύσσω ('to prick,' 'to pierce'). The compounded form intensifies the meaning to 'pierce thoroughly,' both literally and metaphorically.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In earlier Greek (though rare), νύσσω refers to pricking or stabbing with a pointed object. In Koine usage, especially in the New Testament (see Acts 2:37), κατανύσσω is only attested in the passive voice (κατενύγησαν), describing a profound emotional reaction, often in response to a charged or confronting message. The term occurs in Hellenistic literature and the Septuagint in both literal and figurative senses (cf. LXX Psalm 108(109):16). In the New Testament, commonly rendered 'pricked' or 'pierced to the heart,' but the connotation is one of deep agitation, distress, or remorse—not mere physical sensation. English 'prick' does not always capture the weight of sudden, overwhelming emotional impact present in the Greek usage.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from κατά and νύσσω; to pierce thoroughly, i.e. (figuratively) to agitate violently ("sting to the quick"):--prick.

Root Family

κατανύσσω (katanýssō) — to pierce, to stab, to prick, to deeply affect

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	Occurrences
`G2660-01`	κατενύγησαν	katenugesan	`V AOR PASS IND 3P PL`	they were cut	they were pierced through	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1
`G2660-01`	Acts 2:37	κατενύγησαν	katenugesan	`V AOR PASS IND 3P PL`	they were cut	they were pierced through

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