Brief Overview of ῥήγνυμι (Strong’s G4486: rhēgnymi)

Strong’s G4486: A primary verb meaning “to break, burst, tear, or rend.” In the New Testament, it appears in various contexts from demonic manifestations to metaphorical teachings. The word emphasizes violent or sudden breaking, often depicting dramatic spiritual or physical disruption.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ῥήγνυμι carries significant weight in both literal and metaphorical contexts in the New Testament. It describes violent actions ranging from demons throwing people into convulsions to the breaking apart of wineskins. The early church fathers often used this word to describe spiritual warfare and the destructive nature of sin. Today, it serves as a powerful reminder of both the destructive power of evil and the superior strength of Christ’s authority over such forces.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ῥήγνυμι, rhēgnymi, /rayg-noo-mee/
• Detailed pronunciation: rayg-NOO-mee (with emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Primary root verb
• Indo-European origin *wreg- (to break)
• Forms basis for many compound words and derivatives
• Related to Sanskrit rájati (breaks)

D – Defining Meanings

• To break violently or suddenly
• To tear apart or rend
• To burst forth or rupture
• To throw down with force

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but serves as a root for many compounds.

Translation Options:

• “break” – general term for violent separation
• “tear apart” – emphasizing the forceful nature
• “burst” – highlighting sudden, explosive action

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διαῤῥήσσω (diarrhēssō) /dee-ar-race-oh/ – to tear through completely
  See G1284
• σπαράσσω (sparassō) /spar-as-oh/ – to convulse or tear
  See G4682

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

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

Example conjugations:

• Present Active: ῥήγνυμι (I break)
• Future: ῥήξω (I will break)
• Aorist: ἔῤῥηξα (I broke)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its violent nature and various contextual uses. Thayer’s notes its frequent use in describing supernatural events. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples. Vine’s highlights its use in demonic manifestations. Strong’s connects it to sudden, forceful breaking. Moulton and Milligan document its usage in various contexts from medical to military.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and [ῥήγνυμι] turn to tear you to pieces.” Matthew 7:6

Additional References:
Mark 2:22
Mark 9:18
Luke 5:37
Luke 9:42
Galatians 4:27

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ῥήγνυμι powerfully illustrates both the destructive nature of evil and the supreme authority of Christ. Its usage in demonic encounters highlights Jesus’s power over dark forces, while its metaphorical applications remind us of the need for new wineskins to contain the new wine of the gospel. This word proclaims that King Jesus breaks the power of evil and transforms lives with His sovereign authority.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in ancient medical texts describing epileptic seizures.
2. It’s used in classical literature to describe military formations breaking under pressure.
3. Early Christian writers used this word to describe the breaking of Satan’s power through Christ’s victory.

Strong’s G4486: A primary verb meaning “to break, burst, tear, or rend.” In the New Testament, it appears in various contexts from demonic manifestations to metaphorical teachings. The word emphasizes violent or sudden breaking, often depicting dramatic spiritual or physical disruption.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: break, tear, burst, demonic manifestation, spiritual warfare, new wine, wineskins, transformation, authority, power, destruction, victory​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​