ἀποθλίβω (apothlibō)
apothlibō
to crowd up to
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apothlibō describes the physical act of pressing or squeezing tightly against something. It conveys a sense of forceful contact, where one body presses hard against another, often in a crowded space. The word appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 8:45, capturing the moment when a woman touching Jesus’s cloak is surrounded by the dense crowd.
Its meaning comes from combining a prefix indicating intensity with a root related to rubbing or grinding. This etymology suggests a motion that is not just light contact but substantial pressure, similar to how grapes are pressed for wine or olives for oil. In the context of Luke’s Gospel, it vividly illustrates the physical reality of the multitude pressing in on Jesus, creating a tangible barrier between Him and those seeking healing.
Translators typically render this word as "pressed" or "crowded," emphasizing the sheer weight of the people. The term highlights the difficulty Jesus faced in moving through the masses, yet also underscores the persistent effort of individuals to reach Him despite the obstruction. This single usage provides a concrete image of the physical obstacles present during His ministry.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apothlibō paints a vivid picture of physical pressure, describing how bodies crowd tightly together in a dense throng. In Luke 8:45, it captures the moment when Jesus is surrounded by such a heavy mass that He pauses to ask who touched Him. This image reminds us that seeking Christ often involves navigating through noise, distraction, and the sheer weight of daily life.
Yet this pressing crowd does not deter those who reach out in faith. The woman who touched His cloak pushed through the jostling multitudes with purpose. Her action shows that genuine desire for connection can break through even the thickest barriers. When we feel overwhelmed by the pressures around us, we can look to this moment as an example of persistent hope.
This scene invites us to consider our own approach to Jesus. Are we content to stand at a distance, or do we press forward with intention? The text suggests that He notices individual touches even within the largest crowds. His question reveals a personal awareness that transcends the physical chaos surrounding Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- press in1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποθλίβουσιν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 8:45
Jesus said, “Who touched me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes press and jostle you, and you say, ‘Who touched me?’”
This is the only occurrence of apothlibō in the New Testament, where it describes the physical pressure of the crowd pressing against Jesus.