Lexical Summary katanussó: To pierce thoroughly, to be pricked, to be deeply moved or affected. Original Word: κατανύσσω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance prick. From kata and nusso; to pierce thoroughly, i.e. (figuratively) to agitate violently ("sting to the quick") -- prick. see GREEK kata see GREEK nusso HELPS Word-studies 2660 katanýssō (from 2596 /katá, "down" and 3572 /nýssō, "pierce") – properly, pierce all the way down, i.e. deeply (thoroughly) pained; "emotionally pierced through"; psychologically pricked, emotionally stunned (Abbott-Smith). It is used only in Ac 2:37. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and nussó Definition to prick violently NASB Translation pierced (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2660: κατανύσσωκατανύσσω: 2 aorist passive κατενύγην (Buttmann, 63 (55)); to prick, pierce; metaphorically, to pain the mind sharply, agitate it vehemently: used especially of the emotion of sorrow; κατενύγησαν τῇ καρδία (τήν καρδίαν L T Tr WH), they were smitten in heart with poignant sorrow (A. V. literally, pricked), Acts 2:37 (κατανενυγμένον τῇ καρδία, Psalm 118:16 Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope Strong’s Greek 2660 identifies the sudden, penetrating blow of conviction that reaches the innermost being. In Scripture the term describes not a mild twinge of conscience but a deep, overwhelming awareness of personal guilt and need before God. Biblical Occurrence (Acts 2:37) At Pentecost, Peter’s proclamation of the crucified and risen Messiah is followed by, “When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’” (Acts 2:37). The verb captures the precise moment the listeners recognize that the One they crucified is both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). The piercing initiates true repentance (Acts 2:38) and the formation of the first church (Acts 2:41–47). Theological Significance 1. Work of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promised, “When He comes, He will convict the world of sin” (John 16:8). Acts 2 records the first public display of that promise. Old Testament and Prophetic Background The Septuagint employs the same verb for the soul-piercing anguish of repentance (for example Psalm 73:21; “My heart was pierced”). Prophets spoke of Israel’s future recognition of sin: “They will look on Me, the One they have pierced” (Zechariah 12:10; fulfilled in John 19:37). Thus the idea of being pierced in body (Messiah) and in heart (sinners) is inseparably linked. Historical Reception in the Church Early Christian writers (e.g., Chrysostom, Augustine) cited Acts 2:37 as the pattern for gospel preaching—Spirit-empowered proclamation producing heartfelt contrition. Revivals throughout history (the Reformation, the Great Awakenings) have testified that when Scripture is plainly declared, similar heart-piercing conviction follows. Pastoral and Ministry Application • Preaching: Faithful exposition that centers on Christ crucified and risen invites the Spirit’s convicting work. Contrast with Hardened Response Acts records another reaction to apostolic preaching: “When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to kill them” (Acts 5:33). The same truth that pierces a receptive heart can provoke hostility in a hardened one. The preacher must proclaim faithfully, leaving the results to God. Eschatological Overtones Revelation echoes Zechariah: “Every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn” (Revelation 1:7). The final unveiling of Christ will bring universal conviction—either leading to everlasting joy or to judgment. Personal Spiritual Implications Believers continually need the tender conscience produced by God’s piercing. Regular exposure to Scripture, openness to correction, and remembrance of the cross sustain a heart that remains responsive rather than calloused. Summary Strong’s 2660 portrays the decisive inner wound by which the Spirit awakens sinners to their condition and points them to the Savior. From Pentecost until today, every true work of salvation and revival begins when God graciously “pierces the heart.” Forms and Transliterations κατανένυγμαι κατανενυγμένη κατανενυγμένον κατανενυγμένος κατανύγητε κατανυγώ κατανυχθέντος καταξανώ καταξηρανεί καταξήρος κατενύγην κατενυγησαν κατενύγησαν κατενύχθη κατέξανεν κατεξήρανε katenugesan katenugēsan katenygesan katenygēsan katenýgesan katenýgēsanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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