ἀποθλίβω
apothlíbō
G598 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To press closely on all sides, to crowd in so as to cause constraint or pressure; to surround closely, typically in reference to a group pressing in on a person so that movement becomes difficult or impossible. The term conveys the notion of being hemmed in or pressed from all directions, often with a connotation of being beset or compressed by a surrounding mass.
Semantic Range
to crowd closely, to press in or upon (from all sides), to hem in so as to restrict movement, to be pressed or surrounded by a mass (as of people)
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ἀπό ('from, away from') and the verb θλίβω ('to press, to squeeze, to oppress'). ἀποθλίβω forms an intensive or perfective sense: 'to press away from,' i.e., to press out by crowding or surrounding completely.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in Koine Greek, with usage largely limited to descriptions of crowds physically pressing in upon someone, as in narrative scenes in the New Testament (e.g., Mark 3:9; Luke 8:45). Not found in earlier Attic Greek; its usage in the LXX and NT reflects concrete, physical situations rather than metaphorical oppression. It differs from θλίβω, which can bear both literal and metaphorical meanings (to press, afflict, oppress). ἀποθλίβω specifically refers to the act of pressing out through crowding, emphasizing the physical closeness and restriction imposed by a surrounding group. English translations often render it as 'press' or 'press in,' but this can understate the sense of being almost crushed or hemmed in by a crowd.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀπό and θλίβω; to crowd (from every side):--press.
Root Family
ἀποθλίβω (apothlibō) — to press, to squeeze, to crowd closely
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G598-01 |
ἀποθλίβουσιν | apothlibousin | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
crush | they crowd in on | crush | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G598-01 |
Luke 8:45 | ἀποθλίβουσιν | apothlibousin | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
crush | they crowd in on | crush |