Lexical Summary anachusis: Outpouring, shedding Original Word: ἀνάχυσις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance excess. From a comparative of ana and cheo (to pour); properly, effusion, i.e. (figuratively) license -- excess. see GREEK ana NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anacheó (to pour out) Definition a pouring out, overflow NASB Translation excesses (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 401: ἀνάχυσιςἀνάχυσις, ἀναχυσεως, ἡ (ἀναχέω (to pour forth)), rare in Greek writings (Strabo, Philo, Plutarch; ἀνχυσις ψυχῆς, in a good sense, Philo de decal. § 10 middle); an overflowing, a pouring out: metaphorically, 1 Peter 4:4 ἀσωτίας ἀνάχυσις the excess (flood) of riot in which a dissolute life pours itself forth. Topical Lexicon Word Portrait Strong’s Greek 401 evokes the image of liquid rushing out of a container until it engulfs everything in its path. By extension it came to describe any reckless overflow of behavior that sweeps participants along. In its sole New Testament appearance the word pictures pagan debauchery as a roaring torrent, in stark contrast to the measured walk of believers. Biblical Context (1 Peter 4:3–5) “Having spent enough time in the past doing what the Gentiles choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry—they are surprised that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they slander you.” (1 Peter 4:3-4) Peter addresses churches in Asia Minor whose new obedience to Jesus separates them from former companions. Their refusal to “plunge” identifies a decisive break with sin, and the violent metaphor underlines both the danger and the social pressure. Verse 5 reminds reader and scoffer alike that the Judge “is ready,” so the torrent will not flow unchecked forever. Cultural and Historical Setting • Greco-Roman entertainment culture normalized heavy drinking, sexual license, and civic festivals dedicated to deities such as Dionysus. Theological Implications 1. Sanctification is counter-cultural. Salvation not only forgives past sin but also delivers from its present momentum (Romans 6:12-14). Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Discipleship must address peer pressure. Young believers especially need encouragement to resist invitations that masquerade as friendship. Cross References and Corollary Themes • The “overflow” of words and deeds reveals the heart (Matthew 12:34). Summary Strong’s Greek 401 crystallizes the apostolic call to radical separation from sin’s raging flood. It reminds readers that life apart from Christ is not neutral drift but a forceful surge toward destruction. By grace, believers are planted on higher ground, witnessing to a world still swept downstream and urging all to find refuge in the ark of the gospel. Forms and Transliterations αναχυσιν ανάχυσιν ἀνάχυσιν anachusin anachysin anáchysinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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