Pronunciation Guide: HAL-lo-my

Basic Definition

Strong’s G242: ἅλλομαι (hallomai) describes a dynamic, supernatural springing or leaping motion, often with divine enablement. It carries the sense of a forceful upward movement or dramatic jump that exceeds normal human capability. The word particularly emphasizes the supernatural source or miraculous nature of the action rather than just the physical movement itself.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb (Present Middle/Passive Indicative)
• Root: Derived from Proto-Indo-European *sel- meaning “to jump”
• Primary Usage: Narrative passages describing miraculous events
• Voice: Middle/Passive, indicating subject both performs and experiences the action
• Tense: Usually appears in present tense, emphasizing continuous or repeated action

ἅλλομαι Morphology:

• ἅλλομαι (present middle/passive indicative) – I leap/spring up
• ἁλλόμενος (present middle/passive participle) – leaping/springing up
• ἅλλεται (3rd person singular present) – he/she/it leaps/springs up
• ἁλλόμενον (accusative singular neuter participle) – leaping/springing thing

Origin & History

The word ἅλλομαι has ancient roots in classical Greek literature, where it originally described the physical action of jumping or leaping. In Homer’s Iliad (Book 20, line 424), it describes warriors leaping in battle with superhuman ability, suggesting divine empowerment even in its earliest usage.

As the word evolved, it increasingly took on supernatural connotations, particularly in religious contexts. By the Hellenistic period, it was frequently used to describe divinely-enabled movements or actions that transcended normal human capabilities, as seen in various Greek religious texts of the period.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A supernatural springing or leaping enabled by divine power
• A forceful upward movement exceeding normal human capability
• A continuous flowing or springing up action, particularly of water
• A dramatic physical manifestation of spiritual power

ἅλλομαι Translation Options:

• “Spring up” – Best captures the continuous, fountain-like action implied in John 4:14
• “Leap up” – Emphasizes the supernatural enabling of the action
• “Gush forth” – Appropriate when describing water imagery
• “Jump up” – Too mundane for most biblical contexts as it misses the supernatural element

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἅλλομαι appears most prominently in John 4:14, where Yeshua (Jesus) describes the water He gives as “springing up” to eternal life. This usage metaphorically represents the continuous, life-giving action of the Holy Spirit in believers.

The word also appears in descriptions of miraculous healings in Acts, emphasizing the supernatural enabling power of God manifesting in physical actions.

• “But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up [ἁλλομένου] to eternal life” John 4:14
• “With a loud voice, he called out, ‘Stand upright on your feet.’ And he leaped up [ἥλατο] and began to walk.” Acts 14:10

Cultural Insights

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the image of springing water held profound significance. The concept of “living water” (mayim chaim in Hebrew) referred to flowing spring water as opposed to stagnant cistern water. When Yeshua used ἅλλομαι in conjunction with this living water imagery, He was drawing on a rich cultural understanding that would have resonated deeply with His Jewish audience.

The supernatural leaping described by ἅλλομαι also connects to the messianic prophecy in Isaiah 35:6, where the lame leap like deer—a promise fulfilled in the healing miracles recorded in Acts where this word is used.

Theological Significance

The use of ἅλλομαι in John 4:14 reveals a profound truth about the nature of God’s work in believers. The present participle form indicates continuous action—the water doesn’t just spring up once but keeps springing up eternally. This portrays the Holy Spirit’s ongoing work of regeneration and sanctification in believers’ lives.

The word’s usage in healing narratives emphasizes that supernatural enabling comes directly from God. When people leap (ἅλλομαι) in these contexts, it’s not through their own strength but through divine empowerment, highlighting God’s role as the source of all miraculous activity.

Personal Application

When we understand ἅλλομαι’s meaning, we’re reminded that the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives isn’t static or one-time but continuously active and dynamic. Like a spring that keeps gushing forth fresh water, His presence provides constant renewal and spiritual vitality.

This word challenges us to examine our spiritual lives: Is our relationship with God characterized by this kind of dynamic, supernatural activity? Are we experiencing the continuous springing up of His life-giving presence?

Related Words

• πηδάω (pedao) – to leap, spring, bound – Similar action but without the supernatural emphasis See G4032
• ἐξάλλομαι (exallomai) – to leap up, spring forth – Intensified form emphasizing the outward movement See G1814
• σκιρτάω (skirtao) – to leap for joy – Focuses on emotional rather than supernatural cause See G4640

Did you Know?

• The word ἅλλομαι is still used in modern Greek to describe the action of springs and geysers, maintaining its connection to the idea of water springing up from the ground.
• In ancient Greek medical texts, ἅλλομαι was sometimes used to describe the beating of the heart, suggesting an understanding of continuous, life-sustaining motion.
• The supernatural associations of ἅλλομαι were so strong that Greek philosophers often used it when describing divine inspiration or the moment of receiving supernatural knowledge.

Remember This

ἅλλομαι represents not just movement, but divinely-enabled, supernatural action that continuously manifests God’s power and presence in the physical world.