Lexical Summary epaphrizó: To foam up, to froth Original Word: ἐπαφρίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance foam out. From epi and aphrizo; to foam upon, i.e. (figuratively) to exhibit (a vile passion) -- foam out. see GREEK epi see GREEK aphrizo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and aphrizó Definition to foam up NASB Translation casting (1), like foam (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1890: ἐπαφρίζωἐπαφρίζω; to foam up (Mosch. 5, 5); to cast out as foam, foam out: τί, Jude 1:13 calls the godless and graceless set of whom he speaks κύματα ἐπαφρίζοντα τάς ἑαυτῶν αἰσχύνας, i. e. (dropping the figure) impelled by their restless passions, they unblushingly exhibit, in word and deed, their base and abandoned spirit; cf. Isaiah 57:20. Topical Lexicon Overview of the Term ἐπαφρίζω (epaphrizō) evokes the picture of surf that beats against the coastline until it bursts into froth. The single New Testament occurrence captures the sudden, noisy, self-displaying turbulence of false teachers whose lives erupt in moral refuse rather than spiritual fruit. Biblical Context: Jude 13 Jude folds the verb into a five-fold portrait of apostate influencers: “They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom the blackest darkness has been reserved forever” (Jude 13). The imagery of waves “foaming up” underscores three ideas. 1. Restlessness – like breakers driven by unseen winds, the deceivers cannot settle into obedience. Old Testament and Intertestamental Background Jude’s metaphor echoes Isaiah 57:20: “But the wicked are like the tossing sea, for it cannot be still, and its waters churn up mire and muck”. Both passages link moral instability with a churning ocean that disgorges filth onto the shore. Second Temple literature often connected the sea with chaos and hostile spiritual powers; Jude joins that tradition, portraying heresy as a chaotic force endangering the covenant community. Classical and Hellenistic Usage Greek writers applied epaphrizō to violent surf or to animals foaming at the mouth in rage. In both cases the foaming signaled uncontrolled energy. Jude borrows this cultural image to argue that spiritual rebellion is not a mild deviation but a storm that endangers vulnerable believers. Theological Significance 1. Revelation of character – Scripture consistently teaches that conduct reveals nature (Matthew 7:17). The foaming shame of the apostates shows they are outside the new birth. Ministry Implications • Discern false confidence. Foaming waves may appear powerful, yet recede quickly; so doctrine must be judged by lasting fruit, not momentary excitement. Related Metaphors in Scripture Psalm 65:7 celebrates the Lord “who stills the roaring of the seas”; Jeremiah 5:22 reminds Israel that God “set the sand as a boundary for the sea.” The divine capacity to restrain physical oceans parallels His ability to restrain moral chaos. Philippians 4:7 offers believers “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,” providing the antithesis to the agitation described by epaphrizō. Historical and Cultural Background First-century readers along the Mediterranean knew the hazard of sudden squalls. Coastal villages depended on calm seas for commerce and survival, yet a single gale could destroy vessels and livelihoods. Jude’s readers would therefore feel the visceral alarm of “wild waves,” recognizing that uncontrolled spiritual forces threaten the church’s very life. Summary ἐπαφρίζω spotlights the volatile, conspicuous, and shame-producing nature of false teachers. Though they surge with apparent strength, their legacy is froth—momentarily impressive but eternally judged. The church counters such turbulence by clinging to the gospel that anchors, cleanses, and secures believers until the calm of the eternal shore. Forms and Transliterations επαφριζοντα επαφρίζοντα ἐπαφρίζοντα epaphrizonta epaphrízontaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |