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νύσσω

nýssō

G3572 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To prick, puncture, or pierce with a sharp implement; generally used of making a small wound or penetrating the surface by means of a pointed object (such as a spear, needle, or thorn). In extended or figurative contexts, it can refer to the act of inflicting a sharp but usually localized wound or pain.

Semantic Range

to prick with a pointed instrument, to pierce bodily with a sharp object, to inflict a minor wound by stabbing, to prod or poke sharply

Root / Etymology

Primary verb, not derived from a more basic Greek form; not clearly related to other attested Greek roots—etymology uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, νύσσω is found in literary and poetic sources, including Homer, with the sense of 'to poke, stab, prick,' especially with a spear or pointed implement. In the New Testament, it is rare, only attested in John 19:34 ('but one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear'), conveying the idea of an intentional piercing that produces a wound but does not denote a fatal impalement or mutilation. The term focuses on the act of penetration by a pointed object rather than the result (such as death or injury). In the Septuagint, νύσσω is used parallel to Hebrew terms for piercing or stabbing. English translations usually render as 'pierce' or 'prick,' but this may not capture nuances of intentional emphasis or the relative smallness of the wound in some contexts. The verb differs from κατακεντέω (to stab through, impale) and τύπτω (to strike, beat), focusing specifically on sharp penetration rather than blunt force or deep impalement.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparently a primary word; to prick ("nudge"):--pierce.

Root Family

νύσσω (nyssō) — to prick, to pierce, to puncture

Root νυσσ- to prick, to pierce, to puncture

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3572-01 ἔνυξεν enuxen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG pierced he pierced pierced 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3572-01 John 19:34 ἔνυξεν enuxen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG pierced he pierced pierced
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