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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies as it provides a deeper insight into the original text, its cultural context, and its intended meaning. The Greek word λακάω (lakáō) is particularly significant as it is a rare term that appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Acts 1:18. This word offers a vivid description of an event, contributing to the dramatic narrative style often found in biblical texts.

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Necessary Information

Greek Word: λακάω (lakáō) [lah-KAH-oh].

Etymology: The word λακάω (lakáō) is not derived from any common Greek root, making its etymology somewhat obscure. It generally relates to splitting or bursting.

Part of Speech: Verb. In Biblical Greek, verbs indicate actions or states of being. The verb λακάω is used in a dramatic descriptive sense in the New Testament.

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Defining Meanings

1. To burst asunder: This is the primary meaning of λακάω in the New Testament, referring to something splitting or bursting apart forcefully.
2. To break open: Another potential meaning, similar in scope, indicating a sudden or violent opening.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ῥήγνυμι (rhḗgnumi) [RAYG-noo-mee]: This word means “to break” or “to tear,” often used when something is violently torn apart. It differs from λακάω in that it is more general and not specifically referring to bursting.
2. διαῤῥήγνυμι (diarrhḗgnumi) [dee-ar-RAYG-noo-mee]: This compound word means “to break through” or “to tear apart.” It emphasizes breaking with force, similar to λακάω, but focuses more on breaking through rather than bursting.
3. σχίζω (schízō) [SKHID-zo]: This word means “to split” or “to divide” and is often used in contexts of tearing or splitting open. It shares the dramatic nature of λακάω but is used more frequently in different contexts.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

• Tense, Voice, Mood: λακάω appears in the Aorist tense, which expresses a simple past action. It is used in the Active voice, indicating that the subject performs the action. The mood is indicative, denoting a statement of fact.
• Person and Number: Typically found in the third person singular, which fits the context in Acts 1:18 where the action is described as happening to a specific subject.
• Aspect: The Aorist tense provides a perfective aspect, viewing the action as a complete event without focusing on its duration.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word λακάω is understood in lexicons as describing a violent and dramatic action, often linked with graphic descriptions or vivid storytelling. Its use in Acts 1:18 refers to Judas’ body bursting open after falling headlong, painting a picture of sudden and catastrophic action. Lexicons emphasize the rarity of this word, highlighting its unique place in the New Testament. The theological implications point to divine judgment or the dramatic consequences of actions, aligning with Jewish traditions of retribution narratives.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Acts 1:18: “Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst [λακάω] open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word λακάω, used uniquely in Acts 1:18, captures a dramatic moment of judgment and consequence in the New Testament narrative. It conveys a vivid image of bursting or breaking apart, enhancing the narrative’s intensity and theological depth. Understanding this word’s usage, both in Biblical and classical texts, allows for a richer appreciation of its connotations and impact within Scripture.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: The word λακάω is a hapax legomenon, meaning it only appears once in the entire New Testament.
• Fact 2: The vivid description provided by the use of λακάω in Acts 1:18 has often been a topic of theological discussion regarding the narrative style of Luke-Acts.
• Fact 3: The root and rare occurrence of λακάω link it with dramatic storytelling techniques in ancient literature, adding depth to the biblical narrative.