Lexical Summary sparassó: To convulse, to tear, to rend Original Word: σπαράσσω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to convulse, shake to and froProlongation from spairo (to grasp; apparently strengthened from spao through the idea of spasmodic contraction); to mangle, i.e. Convluse with epilepsy -- rend, tear. see GREEK spao NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originakin to spairó (to gasp) Definition to mangle, convulse NASB Translation throwing...into...convulsions (2), throws...into a convulsion (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4682: σπαράσσωσπαράσσω; 1 aorist ἐσπαραξα; to convulse (others, tear): τινα, Mark 1:26; Mark 9:20 R G Tr text, 26; Luke 9:39; see ῤήγνυμι, c. (τάς γναθους, Aristophanes ran. 424; τάς τρίχας, Diodorus 19, 34; in various other senses in Greek writings) (Compare: συνσπαράσσω.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 4682 describes the violent convulsing or rending that accompanies demonic oppression in the Synoptic Gospels. Each appearance of the verb pictures a hostile spirit inflicting bodily harm on its victim just before being expelled by the authoritative word of Jesus Christ. The term therefore functions less as a medical description and more as a theological signpost, highlighting the destructive intent of demons and the absolute sovereignty of the Son of God. Occurrences in the New Testament • Mark 1:26 – “And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and came out with a loud cry.” In each instance the verb appears in narrative accounts of Jesus liberating an oppressed individual, usually in the presence of onlookers who witness both the violence of the demon and the triumph of Christ. Context of Demon Possession First-century Judaism recognized personal evil spirits that could dominate human bodies (compare Matthew 12:43-45). The Gospel writers treat such possession as an observable reality rather than superstition. The convulsive tearing described by σπαράσσω underscores the malicious nature of demons, intent on disfiguring the image-bearers of God (Genesis 1:27). This behavior fulfills the thief’s agenda “to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). Jesus’ Authority and the Kingdom of God The violent convulsion does not signal demonic victory but impending defeat. Each time, the demon’s final outburst highlights Christ’s unopposed authority: Thus σπαράσσω functions literarily to contrast demonic cruelty with the compassionate, decisive reign of the Messiah. Comparison with Septuagint and Extra-Biblical Usage The verb is rare outside the New Testament. In later Greek literature it can describe tearing garments or mangling an animal, but the Gospel writers reserve it for spiritual conflict. Its scarcity amplifies the uniqueness of Jesus’ ministry and the particular ferocity of demonic opposition to Him. Theological Significance 1. Revelation of Evil – σπαράσσω unveils the true character of demons: destructive, noisy, uncontrollable apart from divine intervention. Pastoral and Ministry Application • Spiritual Warfare – The passages encourage sober realism regarding demonic activity while affirming believer confidence in Christ’s supremacy (1 John 4:4). Summary σπαράσσω (Strong’s 4682) marks the violent death-throes of demonic tyranny under the command of Jesus. Though the verb depicts bodily convulsion, its deeper purpose is to display the clash between darkness and light, the misery of Satan’s rule, and the liberating authority of the Savior. The term therefore enriches Christology, informs spiritual warfare, and fuels pastoral care by assuring believers that the One who spoke peace into convulsion remains Lord over every hostile power. Forms and Transliterations εσπάραξεν εσπαράχθησαν σπαραξαν σπαράξαν σπαραξας σπαράξας σπαρασσει σπαράσσει σπαράσσεται σπαργάνοις sparassei sparássei sparaxan sparáxan sparaxas sparáxasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 1:26 V-APA-NNSGRK: καὶ σπαράξαν αὐτὸν τὸ NAS: Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean KJV: spirit had torn him, INT: And having thrown into convulsions him the Mark 9:26 V-APA-NMS Luke 9:39 V-PIA-3S Strong's Greek 4682 |
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