"to press; in NT to take or lay hold of, Acts 3:7; to take, catch fish, etc., Jn. 21:3, 10; Rev. 19:20; to take, seize, apprehend, arrest, Jn. 7:30, 32, 44"
Definition and meaning
to press; in NT to take or lay hold of, Acts 3:7; to take, catch fish, etc., Jn. 21:3, 10; Rev. 19:20; to take, seize, apprehend, arrest, Jn. 7:30, 32, 44
In the original Greek the word is written: πιάζω
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of piazo (G4084) across the King James Bible.
Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.
The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.
These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,
Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.
Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.
And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
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Common questions
Strong's G4084 (piazo) is a Greek word that means: to press; in NT to take or lay hold of, Acts 3:7; to take, catch fish, etc., Jn. 21:3, 10; Rev. 19:20; to take, seize, apprehend, arrest, Jn. 7:30, 32, 44 It appears 12 times in the King James Bible.
The word piazo (G4084) appears 12 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4084 is piazo, a Greek word defined as: to press; in NT to take or lay hold of, Acts 3:7; to take, catch fish, etc., Jn. 21:3, 10; Rev. 19:20; to take, seize, apprehend, arrest, Jn. 7:30, 32. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
piazo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.