κατανύσσω (katanussō)
katanussō
to pierce
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katanussō literally means to pierce or prick violently, evoking a physical sensation of sharp pain. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 2:37, where the listeners are described as being "cut to the heart" after hearing Peter’s sermon. This usage translates the idea of a sudden, intense emotional impact rather than a physical wound.
Its force comes from the prefix kata ("down") and nussō ("to prick"), suggesting a piercing that goes deep into one’s inner being. The sources note that this word describes a state of being smitten by strong emotion, particularly sorrow or conviction. Unlike general regret, this is a visceral reaction where the mind is agitated vehemently, leaving no room for indifference.
Translators often render it as "cut to the heart" or "pierced," capturing the suddenness and depth of the experience. The word highlights how divine truth can strike with enough force to disrupt a person’s previous state of mind, creating a profound awareness of their spiritual condition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katanussō describes a sudden, sharp piercing of the inner self. In Acts 2:37, those who heard Peter’s message felt this deep conviction. It was not a gentle suggestion but a profound awareness of their spiritual state. This reaction shows how divine truth can break through indifference.
When we encounter God's word, it may stir our hearts in similar ways. Such moments invite us to examine our lives and turn toward Him. The pain of conviction is often the first step toward healing and change. It signals that something real is happening within us.
This experience reminds us that faith begins with honesty before God. We do not need to hide our struggles or doubts. Instead, we can bring them into His light, where He offers grace and direction for our journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they were pierced1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατενύγησαν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 2:37
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
This verse captures the moment when Peter’s sermon pierced the listeners’ hearts, leading to their question about what to do next.