Strong’s Greek 1809 appears once in the New Testament, at Luke 22:31, expressing an intense, deliberate request. The rarity of the verb highlights the gravity of the moment it describes: Satan’s petition to test the disciples.

Context in Luke 22:31

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat.” (Luke 22:31)
• The plural “you” (humas) shows that the entire band of disciples is targeted.
• The singular pronoun in the next verse (“But I have prayed for you, Simon…”) directs Jesus’ intercession specifically toward Peter, anticipating both his failure and restoration.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Sovereignty and Permission
• Satan cannot act apart from divine allowance (Job 1:12; 2:6).
• The verb underscores that even malevolent designs are bounded by God’s rule.
2. Christ’s High-Priestly Intercession
• Jesus’ prayer (Luke 22:32) guarantees that Peter’s faith, though shaken, will not be extinguished (Hebrews 7:25).
• The episode prefigures the risen Lord’s continued advocacy for believers (1 John 2:1).
3. Refinement through Testing
• Sifting separates grain from chaff; spiritual trials expose what is genuine (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7).
• The eventual strengthening of Peter (“when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers”) shows how God transforms testing into ministry effectiveness.

Spiritual Warfare Implications

• Satan’s objective is destruction, yet his requests serve God’s refining purposes (Romans 8:28).
• Vigilance is mandatory: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion…” (1 Peter 5:8).
• The full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) is the believer’s provision against such assaults.

Pastoral and Practical Applications

• Leaders, like Peter, often experience intensified trials; they need intercessory support.
• Failure under pressure is not final when repentance and faith are present (Luke 22:62; John 21:15-17).
• Congregations can take comfort that Christ’s intercession precedes and follows every satanic demand.

Historical and Cultural Background

• Sifting (likonizein) in first-century Palestine involved vigorous shaking of wheat so chaff would blow away.
• The metaphor conveys violent agitation—a picture of the turmoil Satan intends for believers.
• Agricultural imagery resonates with Jesus’ parables (Matthew 13) that separate true from false disciples.

Related Biblical Themes and Texts

Job 1–2 – Satan’s petitions and God’s permissive will

Zechariah 3:1–2 – The Accuser before the Angel of the LORD

Amos 9:9 – Israel sifted among the nations

Hebrews 12:26-29 – Shaking that what cannot be shaken may remain

Conclusion

Strong’s 1809, though used only once, opens a window on the cosmic dialogue behind earthly trials. The verb’s lone occurrence crystallizes the certainty that every satanic scheme is subject to God’s sovereignty, countered by the Savior’s unfailing intercession, and ultimately turned to the strengthening of Christ’s church.