σβέννυμι (G4570) — Greek Lexicon

σβέννυμι

sbénnymi

G4570 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To extinguish, put out, or cause to cease burning (of fire, flame, lamp, or similar), both in literal contexts (such as putting out a flame) and metaphorically (to bring to an end, suppress, or stifle something immaterial, such as emotion, influence, or activity). The term primarily denotes the action of ceasing the activity of something that burns or glows, but is extended metaphorically to mean suppressing, stifling, or quelling an action, force, or characteristic.

Semantic Range

to extinguish (fire, flame), to put out (a lamp or torch), to quench, to suppress or stifle (emotion, influence, or activity figuratively), to cause to cease burning or functioning, to nullify

Root / Etymology

The word σβέννυμι is of uncertain origin. It appears as the standard Koine and later form for a root meaning 'to extinguish, quench.' No clear Indo-European root is established, but the form is well-attested in earlier Greek as σβέννυμι, sometimes as σβένυμι. Its verbal forms exhibit lengthened nu (νν) to indicate a prolonged or intensive action.

Historical & Contextual Notes

σβέννυμι is found from early classical Greek onward, typically referring to the literal putting out of fire, lamps, or torches (e.g., Homer, Herodotus, classical dramatists). In Hellenistic and Koine contexts, it retains this sense but is also used figuratively – e.g., extinguishing hope, suppressing spirit or fervor, nullifying power or force. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the metaphorical use is notable (e.g., 'quenching the Spirit' in 1 Thessalonians 5:19). The literal sense of extinguishing is also present (e.g., in the context of fire or lamp). English translations often render it 'quench' or 'extinguish,' but the verb is broader and may convey 'cause to cease,' 'suppress,' or 'stifle.' No religious or ritual connotations are inherent in the Greek; those arise from context or later interpretation (unlike specialized Hebrew sacrificial terms). Not related to any Semitic loanwords. Distinct from verbs denoting to 'blot out,' 'drown,' or 'cover.'

Translation Consistency

primary "extinguish" 7 occurrences

Extinguish best covers the primary literal sense (putting out a fire, lamp, or flame) and naturally extends to the common metaphorical senses (suppressing, quelling, or causing to cease). It is more broadly idiomatic in modern English than alternatives like “quench,” so it will produce the most natural, consistent renderings across all forms of G4570.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):

"quench" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a prolonged form of an apparently primary verb; to extinguish (literally or figuratively):--go out, quench.

Root Family

σβέννυμι (sbennymi) — to extinguish, to put out, to quench

Root σβενν- to extinguish, to put out, to quench

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G4570-03`	σβέννυται	sbennutai	`V PRS PASS IND 3P SG`	is quenched	is being extinguished	is being extinguished	3
`G4570-01`	ἔσβεσαν	esbesan	`V AOR ACT IND 3P PL`	quenched	they were extinguishing	they extinguished	1
`G4570-06`	σβέσει	sbesei	`V FUT ACT IND 3P SG`	quench	will extinguish	will extinguish	1
`G4570-02`	σβέννυνται	sbennuntai	`V PRS PASS IND 3P PL`	are going out	they were being extinguished	are being extinguished	1
`G4570-05`	σβέσαι	sbesai	`V AOR ACT INF`	to quench	to extinguish	to extinguish	1
`G4570-04`	σβέννυτε	sbennute	`V PRS ACT IMP 2P PL`	quench	Keep extinguishing	quench	1

Occurrences in Scripture

8 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G4570-06`	Matthew 12:20	σβέσει	sbesei	`V FUT ACT IND 3P SG`	quench	will extinguish	will extinguish
`G4570-02`	Matthew 25:8	σβέννυνται	sbennuntai	`V PRS PASS IND 3P PL`	are going out	they were being extinguished	are being extinguished
`G4570-03`	Mark 9:44	σβέννυται	sbennutai	`V PRS PASS IND 3P SG`	is quenched	is being extinguished	is being extinguished
`G4570-03`	Mark 9:46	σβέννυται	sbennutai	`V PRS PASS IND 3P SG`	is quenched	is being extinguished	is being extinguished
`G4570-03`	Mark 9:48	σβέννυται	sbennutai	`V PRS PASS IND 3P SG`	is quenched	is being extinguished	is being extinguished
`G4570-05`	Ephesians 6:16	σβέσαι	sbesai	`V AOR ACT INF`	to quench	to extinguish	to extinguish
`G4570-04`	1 Thessalonians 5:19	σβέννυτε	sbennute	`V PRS ACT IMP 2P PL`	quench	Keep extinguishing	quench
`G4570-01`	Hebrews 11:34	ἔσβεσαν	esbesan	`V AOR ACT IND 3P PL`	quenched	they were extinguishing	they extinguished

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