Lexical Summary aphrizó: To foam Original Word: ἀφρίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance foam. From aphros; to froth at the mouth (in epilepsy) -- foam. see GREEK aphros NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom aphros Definition to foam at the mouth NASB Translation foaming (1), foams (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 875: ἀφρίζωἀφρίζω; (ἀφρός); to foam: Mark 9:18, 20. (Sophocles El. 719; Diodorus 3, 10; Athen. 11, 43, p. 472 a.; (others).) (Compare: ἐπαφρίζω.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 875 describes the violent “foaming” that accompanies the convulsions of a demon-tormented boy in the Gospel of Mark. Though the term appears only twice, its setting within Jesus’ deliverance ministry provides a vivid window into spiritual conflict, the authority of Christ, and the disciples’ call to faith-filled prayer. Scriptural Occurrences Mark 9:18: “Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid.” Mark 9:20: “They brought the boy to Jesus, and when the spirit saw Him, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.” Narrative Setting in Mark The episode follows the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13) and precedes Jesus’ second prediction of His passion (Mark 9:30-32). This placement highlights the contrast between Christ’s unveiled glory on the mountain and the brokenness found at the foot of it. The disciples, left behind, were unable to expel the unclean spirit (Mark 9:18), exposing their dependence on Jesus and their need for deeper spiritual discipline (Mark 9:29). Foaming as an Indicator of Demonic Oppression Ancient writers linked frothing to epilepsy, yet the Gospel narrative attributes the symptoms to a personal evil spirit. Scripture distinguishes between natural illness and demonic activity, and the evangelist records the foaming detail to emphasize the spirit’s destructive intent (Mark 9:22). The dramatic manifestation underlines the New Testament’s portrayal of demons as hostile powers seeking to distort God’s image in humanity. Christ’s Authority over Chaotic Forces The boy’s writhing and foaming cease at Christ’s command (Mark 9:25-26). The episode anticipates the cross, where Jesus will decisively defeat principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15). Here, even before His death and resurrection, the Messiah demonstrates sovereign authority, revealing that the kingdom of God has drawn near in His person. Lessons in Faith and Discipleship • Faith’s Object: The father’s cry, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24), shows that imperfect faith, when directed toward Jesus, is sufficient to receive His help. Historical and Cultural Background Greco-Roman society often interpreted convulsive disorders through superstition, and Jewish tradition recognized both medical and spiritual dimensions. By recording the foaming detail without medicalizing or mythologizing it, Mark frames the incident within a biblical worldview that affirms both the reality of spiritual beings and the compassion of God toward human suffering. Pastoral and Ministry Implications 1. Discernment: Careful evaluation is required to distinguish demonic influence from physiological illness, avoiding both reductionism and sensationalism. Related Biblical Themes • Conflict between the kingdom of God and demonic powers (Matthew 12:28; Ephesians 6:12). Practical Application Believers are called to cultivate a life of prayer, grounded in Scripture, that actively resists evil while resting in Christ’s finished work. The dramatic “foaming” of Mark’s narrative points beyond itself to the cosmic victory of the Savior who still liberates those oppressed by the devil. Conclusion Though rare in the New Testament, Strong’s 875 vividly captures the chaos produced by demonic affliction and, more importantly, the triumph of Jesus Christ over that chaos. The term anchors a lesson in faith, dependence, and the unmatched authority of the Son of God—a truth as vital for contemporary disciples as for the original Twelve. Forms and Transliterations αφριζει αφρίζει ἀφρίζει αφριζων αφρίζων ἀφρίζων αφρόνως ηφρονεύσαντο aphrizei aphrízei aphrizon aphrizōn aphrízon aphrízōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 9:18 V-PIA-3SGRK: αὐτόν καὶ ἀφρίζει καὶ τρίζει NAS: him, it slams him [to the ground] and he foams [at the mouth], and grinds KJV: him: and he foameth, and gnasheth INT: him and he foams and gnashes Mark 9:20 V-PPA-NMS Strong's Greek 875 |
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