Lexical Summary apopsuchó: To faint, to lose heart, to expire Original Word: ἀποψύχω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to faintFrom apo and psucho; to breathe out, i.e. Faint -- hearts failing. see GREEK apo see GREEK psucho HELPS Word-studies 674 apopsýxō (from 575 /apó, "separate from" and 5594 /psýxō, "breathe," the root of 5590 /psyxḗ, "soul") – properly, "separate from the soul," i.e. become faint because of loss of breath; (figuratively) lose morale (become disheartened) like lapsing into temporary unconsciousness (used only in Lk 21:26). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and psuchó Definition to leave off breathing, i.e. faint NASB Translation fainting (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 674: ἀποψύχωἀποψύχω; to breathe out life, expire; to faint or swoon away: Luke 21:26. (So Thucydides 1, 134; Bion 1, 9, others; 4 Macc. 15:18.) Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Immediate Context Strong’s Greek 674 appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 21:26. Jesus is describing conditions immediately preceding His return: “People will faint from fear and apprehension of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Luke 21:26). The term depicts an overwhelming collapse of heart and spirit when men confront cosmic upheaval without the refuge of faith. Semantic Range and Biblical Imagery Though the verb is rare in the Greek text, the notion of hearts failing is woven throughout Scripture. Old Testament prophets often picture courage melting under divine judgment (Isaiah 13:7; Ezekiel 21:7; Nahum 2:10). The Septuagint uses cognate expressions to describe life “ebbing away” (Jonah 2:7) or inner strength “draining out” (Genesis 42:28). In Luke 21 Jesus gathers those threads into a single vivid scene: humanity’s collective breath seems to leave the body when God intervenes in history. Eschatological Significance Luke’s wording places the crisis at the threshold of the Parousia. The shaking of heavenly powers recalls Haggai 2:6 and Hebrews 12:26, signaling the decisive re-ordering of creation. The fainting described in Luke 21:26 contrasts sharply with the steadfastness to which believers are called (Luke 21:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8). Thus the verb serves as a literary line dividing those overcome by fear from those upheld by hope. Historical Background and Cultural Insights Ancient medical writers used related terms for life departing at the final breath or for soldiers collapsing on the battlefield. First-century hearers would have associated apocalyptic terror with literal physical swooning, a reaction well documented during earthquakes, eclipses, and wars. Luke, the physician, employs a technical yet pastoral vocabulary that speaks to bodily and spiritual realities simultaneously. Pastoral and Theological Implications 1. Human frailty apart from Christ: The single use of the verb underscores that, without redemption, humanity possesses no inner reservoir capable of standing before divine judgment (Hebrews 10:31). Practical Application for Ministry • Preaching: Use Luke 21:26 to confront complacency and to press the urgency of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Related Biblical Themes and Cross-References Hearts Melting – Deuteronomy 20:8; Joshua 2:11 Fear of the Day of the Lord – Joel 2:11; Zephaniah 1:14-17 Endurance in Trial – Hebrews 12:3; Revelation 3:10 Divine Shake-Up – Haggai 2:6-7; Hebrews 12:26-27 Hope of Redemption – Romans 8:23; 1 Peter 1:13 In sum, the lone appearance of Strong’s 674 crystallizes the stark contrast between unbelieving terror and steadfast hope. It warns of a future collapse for those apart from Christ while simultaneously beckoning disciples to stand firm in the assurance of approaching redemption. Forms and Transliterations αποψυχοντων αποψυχόντων ἀποψυχόντων apopsuchonton apopsuchontōn apopsychonton apopsychontōn apopsychónton apopsychóntōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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