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πιέζω

piézō

G4085 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To press, squeeze, or apply pressure, especially so as to pack, compress, or crowd together. The term carries the sense of exerting physical force to compact or crush something, and by extension, can refer to crowding or pressing in a figurative sense (such as crowds pressing in on someone).

Semantic Range

to press down, to squeeze, to pack together, to crowd, to compress, to press hard, to oppress (figuratively), to overwhelm

Root / Etymology

Formally regarded as an alternative form of πιάζω. The root is πι-, related to the act of pressing or squeezing in Greek. Both πιέζω and πιάζω share semantic overlap, but πιέζω is typically associated with the act of pressing or compressing, while πιάζω may emphasize seizing or laying hold. The ultimate origin is Greek; cognate with the base meaning of pressure or compression.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, πιέζω is attested in the sense of pressing, squeezing, or oppressing, both physically (compressing objects) and figuratively (being oppressed or overwhelmed). In Koine Greek, including the New Testament (e.g., Luke 6:38), the term is used metaphorically to describe measures 'pressed down' to emphasize fullness or abundance, especially in the context of giving or measuring. The sense overlaps with πιάζω, but πιέζω does not carry the specific connotation of 'to seize' found in πιάζω. English Bible translations typically render it as 'press down', 'compress', or 'crowd', but can lose the nuance of oppressive or overflowing measure depending on context. The term is more common in non-literary Koine for everyday physical actions. There is little indication of significant change in meaning from Classical to Koine period, though the range of metaphorical uses expands.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

another form for πιάζω; to pack:--press down.

Root Family

πιέζω (piezō) — to press, to squeeze, to apply pressure

Root πι- to press, to squeeze, to apply pressure

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4085-01 πεπιεσμένον pepiesmenon V PRF PASS PTCP ACC N SG pressed down having been pressed tight having been pressed tight 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4085-01 Luke 6:38 πεπιεσμένον pepiesmenon V PRF PASS PTCP ACC N SG pressed down having been pressed tight having been pressed tight
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