πνικτός (pniktos)
pniktos
strangled
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective pniktos describes meat from an animal that has been strangled or suffocated rather than slaughtered by draining its blood. In the New Testament, this term appears exclusively in Acts to address a specific dietary restriction for Gentile believers (Acts 15:20, 29; 21:25). The word captures the physical state of the animal, which died without the shedding of blood that was central to Jewish ritual purity.
This prohibition connects directly to earlier Old Testament laws, such as those found in Leviticus 17, where consuming blood is forbidden because life belongs to God. By including pniktos in the Jerusalem Council’s decree, early Christian leaders sought to remove barriers between Jewish and Gentile Christians. The rule was not about health or taste, but about respecting the sacredness of blood and maintaining unity within the diverse early church.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pniktos refers to meat from an animal that was strangled rather than slaughtered by draining its blood. In the early church, this term appeared in the Jerusalem Council’s decree to help Jewish and Gentile believers live together in peace. It was not about health rules or personal taste, but about respecting the sacredness of life as belonging to God.
When you read Acts 15:29, you see that this instruction was given so that Christians from different backgrounds could share meals without causing offense. The early leaders wanted to remove barriers between groups, showing that unity matters more than dietary preferences. This reminds us that our freedom in Christ should never become a stumbling block for others.
Today, this word invites us to consider how we treat our bodies and how we relate to fellow believers. It calls for sensitivity and love, ensuring that our actions build up the community rather than tear it down. May you find wisdom in balancing your liberty with care for those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- which is strangled1×
- what is strangled1×
- from a strangled [one]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πνικτῶν1×
- πνικτὸν1×
- πνικτοῦ1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 15:20
but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood.
This verse introduces the prohibition as part of the initial letter to Gentile believers, highlighting its role in establishing basic standards for unity.
-
Acts 15:29
that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell.”
Here the decree is repeated with a blessing, showing that keeping this rule was seen as essential for the well-being of the community.
-
Acts 21:25
But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written our decision that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from food offered to idols, from blood, from strangled things, and from sexual immorality.”
Paul recounts this decision to Jerusalem leaders, confirming that Gentile churches had already adopted this practice to maintain harmony with Jewish Christians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word pniktos mean?
Why were early Christians told to avoid strangled meat?
Is this rule still required for Christians today?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Acts 3 verses
but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is…
Acts 15:29that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from…
Acts 21:25But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written our decision that they should observe no such thing, except…