Lexical Summary puknos: Dense, thick, frequent Original Word: πυκνός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance oftenFrom the same as skenopoios; clasped (thick), i.e. (figuratively) frequent; neuter plural (as adverb) frequently -- often(-er). see GREEK skenopoios NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as pugmé Definition close, i.e. frequent NASB Translation frequent (1), often (1), quite often (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4437: πυκνόςπυκνός, πυκνη, πυκνόν (ΠΥΚΩ, see πυγμή), from Homer down, thick, dense, compact; in reference to time, frequent, often recurring (so in Greek writings from Aeschylus down), 1 Timothy 5:23; neuter plural πυκνά, as adverb (Winers Grammar, 463 (432); Buttmann, § 128, 2), vigorously, diligently (?(cf. Morison as in πυγμή)), Mark 7:3 Tdf.; often, Luke 5:33; πυκνότερον, more frequently, the oftener, Acts 24:26. Topical Lexicon Meaning and NuanceWhile conveying the simple idea of repetition, πυκνός (Strong’s 4437) carries shades of perseverance and intentionality. The contexts in which the term appears all highlight regular, purposeful actions—disciplines, remedies, or attempts at influence—rather than haphazard recurrence. The word therefore points to deliberate constancy. New Testament Occurrences Luke 5:33 – The disciples of John and the Pharisees “fast and pray frequently.” The stress falls on ritual devotion done with notable regularity. 1 Timothy 5:23 – Timothy’s “frequent ailments” reveal an ongoing struggle that calls for prudent pastoral counsel: “Use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.” Acts 24:26 – Governor Felix “sent for him as often as possible and conversed with him,” hoping for a bribe. Here πυκνός exposes persistent but self-serving engagement. Theological and Ministry Insights 1. Spiritual Disciplines. Luke 5:33 shows that genuine devotion is not measured merely by how often an act is performed. Jesus goes on to teach that new covenant life requires new wineskins; frequency without right heart can veil spiritual stagnation. Churches must therefore encourage regular practices—prayer, fasting, fellowship—while guarding against empty ritual. 2. Pastoral Care and Physical Health. Paul’s fatherly advice to Timothy balances ascetic tendencies with compassion. Persistent ailments warrant ongoing, practical remedies. Ministry that ignores bodily needs misunderstands God’s holistic care. 3. Corruption versus Integrity. Felix’s repeated summons illustrate how relentless pursuit can be driven by greed. Faithful leaders should examine whether their own recurring initiatives spring from godly motives or personal gain. Historical Perspective Early Christian writers linked πυκνός to the developing rhythm of church life: daily prayers (Didache 8), frequent gatherings (Acts 2:46), and persistent almsgiving. Conversely, recurring persecution forced believers to decide whether their steadfastness would equal the relentlessness of opposition. Practical Applications • Cultivate habits of grace (Scripture intake, prayer, sacrificial giving) with purposeful regularity. Related Biblical Themes Perseverance in prayer – Luke 18:1 Constant teaching – Acts 5:42 Steadfast faith – 1 Peter 5:9 Unceasing thanksgiving – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Summary Strong’s 4437 spotlights the power of repetition. Whether for devotion, healing, or manipulation, repeated actions reveal the heart’s direction. Scripture calls believers to harness such persistence for godly ends—unfailing prayer, sustained compassion, and enduring integrity—while warning against ritualism and self-interest. Forms and Transliterations πυκνα πυκνά πυκνὰ πυκνας πυκνάς πυκνός πυκνοτερον πυκνότερον pukna puknas puknoteron pykna pyknà pyknas pyknás pyknoteron pyknóteronLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 5:33 Adj-ANPGRK: Ἰωάννου νηστεύουσιν πυκνὰ καὶ δεήσεις NAS: of John often fast KJV: of John fast often, and make INT: of John fast often and prayers Acts 24:26 Adj-ANS-C 1 Timothy 5:23 Adj-AFP Strong's Greek 4437 |
    |