σινιάζω
siniázō
G4617 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To shake or separate by means of a sieve; by extension, to sift, winnow, or subject to close examination or trial. In metaphorical use, to test, trouble, or agitate someone or something as one would sift grain to separate what is desirable or pure from chaff or impurities. The fundamental sense involves separating or distinguishing parts under pressure or scrutiny, whether literally or figuratively.
Semantic Range
to sift with a sieve, to shake or riddle apart, to scrutinize or test severely, to subject to trial or agitation
Root / Etymology
σινιάζω is derived from σίνιον (sieve), itself of uncertain, possibly pre-Greek origin, with the verb-forming suffix -αζω, indicating the action of using an implement (in this case, to sieve).
Historical & Contextual Notes
Σινιάζω is a rare verb, attested primarily in later Greek and in the New Testament (Luke 22:31), where it is used metaphorically for the testing or shaking of a person as one would shake grain in a sieve. In classical and Hellenistic Greek literature, related nouns or verbs for sifting (e.g., κρίνω, διακρίνω, λικμάω) could overlap but σινιάζω connotes the specific action of separation by a sieve rather than general judgment or selection. The metaphorical use in the New Testament reflects the image of separating what is true or steadfast from what is not, under trial or tribulation. Standard English translations such as 'sift' capture the sense, but may not convey the threat or severity implied in the metaphorical sense as used in its original Greek context. There is no evidence of a significant shift in meaning over time, though its use remains extremely limited outside biblical Greek.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (a sieve); to riddle (figuratively):--sift.
Root Family
σινιάζω (siniázō) — to sift, to shake, to separate by means of a sieve
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4617-01 |
σινιάσαι | siniasai | V AOR ACT INF |
to-sift | to sift | to sift | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4617-01 |
Luke 22:31 | σινιάσαι | siniasai | V AOR ACT INF |
to-sift | to sift | to sift |