Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies provides valuable insights into the meaning and context of the Scriptures. The Greek word ἐπαφρίζω (epaphrízō) is significant for its imagery and connotations in both New Testament interpretation and ancient Greek culture. This word is used to depict intense emotional or physical expressions, adding depth to our understanding of its context in Scripture.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐπαφρίζω (epaphrízō) [ep-af-RID-zo]
• Etymology: Derived from ἐπί (epi, meaning “upon”) and ἀφρίζω (aphrízō, meaning “to foam”).
• Part of Speech: Verb (present active indicative, first person singular)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To foam upon.
• To froth over or to bubble up, often used metaphorically to describe emotional agitation or anger.

Similar Words: ἀφρίζω (aphrízō) [af-RID-zo] means “to foam” or “to froth.” The difference lies in the prefix ἐπί (epi) in ἐπαφρίζω, which suggests an added intensity or direction, indicating foaming upon something or someone.

Further Insights: ἐπαφρίζω as a verb in the Greek language highlights the action of foaming over. It can be used both literally, to describe physical foaming, and metaphorically, to describe an outburst of emotions, such as rage or frustration. This verb would typically appear in contexts where heightened emotional states are involved.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Provides an interpretation of ἐπαφρίζω as to “foam over,” emphasizing its metaphorical use in describing emotions that overflow, such as anger or agitation. It is a vivid term that is rarely used, highlighting its specificity in context.

Thayers: Interprets ἐπαφρίζω as “to foam up” or “to froth,” typically in a figurative sense related to intense emotion.

Vines: Notes that ἐπαφρίζω conveys a picture of something agitated to the point of frothing, often indicating emotional or spiritual unrest.

LSJ: Focuses on its use in classical literature, where it describes literal foaming, such as waves or boiling water, and occasionally as a metaphor for human emotions.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐπαφρίζω simply as “to foam upon,” often in contexts where something is being overwhelmed or consumed by intense feeling or reaction.

Related Scripture References

• Jude 1:13: “Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame…” where “foaming” is represented by the word ἐπαφρίζω in the Greek text.

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπαφρίζω (G1890)

The Greek word ἐπαφρίζω is a dynamic verb that conveys a sense of overflowing or foaming over, both literally and metaphorically. It is used to depict intense emotions or physical states that are agitated to the point of frothing, adding depth and imagery to biblical and classical texts. Its usage in the New Testament and classical Greek literature offers a rich understanding of its implications and effects in various contexts.

Did You Know?

Did you know? The word ἐπαφρίζω is used metaphorically to represent uncontrolled emotions like anger or rage. In ancient Greek culture, this imagery was often linked to the sea’s tumultuous waves, providing a powerful visual of emotional or physical agitation.