Divine Victory: συσπαράσσω (Strong’s G4952: susparassō) Shows Messiah’s Authority

Strong’s G4952: A compound verb joining σύν (with) and σπαράσσω (to tear), meaning “to convulse completely” or “throw into violent spasms.” Used in Luke to describe demonic manifestation before Jesus’ authoritative deliverance.

U- Unveiling the Word

συσπαράσσω powerfully depicts the violent nature of spiritual warfare. As a compound word, it combines σύν (with, thoroughly) and σπαράσσω (to tear apart), creating an intense image of complete convulsion. In Luke’s Gospel, it describes a demon’s final violent assault before being expelled by Jesus, demonstrating both evil’s destructive nature and the Messiah’s superior authority. The early church saw this word as illustrating the reality of spiritual conflict and divine victory. Today, it reminds us of Christ’s absolute power over evil forces.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συσπαράσσω, susparassō, soos-par-AS-so
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘soos’ as in ‘loose’, ‘par’ as in ‘par’, ‘as’ as in ‘pass’, ‘so’ as in ‘so’
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with” or “thoroughly”
• σπαράσσω (sparassō) – root verb meaning “to tear, rend”
• The prefix σύν intensifies the action
• The root σπαράσσω indicates violent tearing

D – Defining Meanings

• To convulse violently
• To throw into spasms
• To tear apart completely
• To rend thoroughly
• To shake severely

For compound words:
σύν intensifies σπαράσσω’s action of tearing or convulsing, creating a word that emphasizes complete and violent agitation.

Translation Options:

1. “To convulse violently” – Best captures the intense physical manifestation
2. “To throw into spasms” – Emphasizes the medical aspect
3. “To tear completely” – Highlights the thoroughness of the action

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σπαράσσω (sparassō, spar-AS-so) – to tear, convulse – See G4682
• ῥήσσω (rhēssō, RACE-so) – to break forth – See G4486
• ταράσσω (tarassō, tar-AS-so) – to trouble, agitate – See G5015

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, συσπαράσσω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Aorist)

The word would morph in English as follows:

• Present: convulses violently
• Past: convulsed violently
• Perfect: has convulsed violently

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes συσπαράσσω’s use in demonic manifestations. Thayer’s notes its intensive force through the compound form. LSJ documents medical usage describing seizures. Vine’s connects it to spiritual warfare. Strong’s highlights the thoroughness implied by the compound. LEH traces similar concepts in violent actions. Moulton and Milligan find it in medical contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and [συσπαράσσω] tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father. Luke 9:42

Additional References:
Mark 9:20

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συσπαράσσω powerfully illustrates both the reality of spiritual conflict and the Messiah’s absolute authority. Though evil forces may manifest violently, Jesus’ power is supreme. This word reminds us that no matter how severe the spiritual opposition, the victory belongs to our King.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was used in ancient medical texts describing epileptic seizures
2. Early church exorcism accounts frequently employed this term
3. It appears in ancient magical papyri describing supernatural manifestations

Strong’s G4952: A compound verb joining σύν (with) and σπαράσσω (to tear), meaning “to convulse completely” or “throw into violent spasms.” Used in Luke to describe demonic manifestation before Jesus’ authoritative deliverance.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: convulsion, demons, deliverance, spiritual warfare, healing, Jesus, authority, power, victory, exorcism​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​