Brief Overview of σπαράσσω (Strong’s G4682: sparassō)

Strong’s G4682: A vivid verb meaning to convulse, tear, or throw into spasms. In New Testament usage, it primarily describes the violent physical manifestations caused by demonic possession, highlighting the destructive nature of evil spirits and the Messiah’s authority over them.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σπαράσσω graphically depicts violent physical convulsions, particularly in contexts of demonic possession. In the Gospel narratives, this word powerfully illustrates both the destructive nature of demonic influence and the absolute authority of Jesus over evil spirits. When demons are confronted with the Messiah’s power, their final acts often involve σπαράσσω, demonstrating their malevolent nature even in defeat. The early church understood these accounts as evidence of the Messiah’s supreme authority over spiritual forces. Today, this word reminds us of both the reality of spiritual warfare and the complete victory available in Jesus.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σπαράσσω, sparassō, /spaˈras.sɔː/
• Pronunciation Guide: “spah-RAHS-soh”
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: σπαρ- (spar-) related to tearing or rending
• Suffix: -άσσω (-assō) intensive verbal ending
• Possibly related to σπαίρω (spairō, “to struggle convulsively”)

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: To convulse violently
• Secondary meaning: To tear or rend
• Tertiary meaning: To throw into spasms

Translation Options:

• Convulse – Best captures the involuntary physical motion
• Tear – Emphasizes the violent nature of the action
• Throw into spasms – Most descriptive of the full physical effect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ῥήσσω (rhēssō) /ˈrɛːs.sɔː/ – To break or tear apart – See G4486
• συσπαράσσω (susparassō) /sys.paˈras.sɔː/ – To convulse completely – See G4952
• ταράσσω (tarassō) /taˈras.sɔː/ – To trouble or disturb – See G5015

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Examples of forms:

• Present Active: σπαράσσω (sparassō)
• Aorist Active: ἐσπάραξα (esparaxa)
• Perfect Passive: ἐσπάραγμαι (esparagmai)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in describing demonic manifestations. Thayer’s notes its vivid depiction of violent physical convulsions. LSJ traces its usage in medical contexts. Vine’s highlights its specific application to demonic influence. Moulton and Milligan document its use in describing violent physical conditions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Mark 1:26: “And when the unclean spirit had convulsed [σπαράσσω] him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.”

Additional References:
Mark 9:20, Mark 9:26, Luke 9:39

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σπαράσσω powerfully illustrates the destructive nature of evil spiritual forces and, more importantly, demonstrates the Messiah’s absolute authority over them. Each instance of this word in the Gospels reveals both the reality of spiritual warfare and the complete victory available through Jesus, encouraging believers to trust in His power over all spiritual forces.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was used in ancient medical texts to describe epileptic seizures
• It appears exclusively in contexts of demonic manifestation in the New Testament
• Early church writers used it to describe spiritual warfare manifestations

Strong’s G4682: A verb depicting violent physical convulsions, particularly in contexts of demonic possession. Its usage in the Gospels emphasizes both the destructive nature of evil spirits and the Messiah’s absolute authority over them, demonstrating His power to deliver and heal.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: demons, exorcism, healing, spiritual warfare, convulsions, Mark, Luke, miracles, Jesus authority, deliverance, medicine​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​