ἀνάχυσις (G401) — Greek Lexicon

ἀνάχυσις

anáchysis

G401 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ἀνά- + χῦ- to pour out, to spill, to effuse

Definition

Effusion, outpouring, or a spilling forth, particularly in reference to liquids or figuratively to the unrestrained expression of emotions, actions, or behavior. In literary or metaphorical contexts, it denotes a state of excessive release or indulgence, especially regarding behavior considered unrestrained or lacking propriety.

Semantic Range

effusion, outpouring, spilling forth (literal); unrestrained behavior, unchecked indulgence, excess, dissipation, reckless abandon (figurative)

Root / Etymology

Formed from ἀνά ('up, again') and χέω ('to pour'), with the suffix -σις making it a noun of action or result: thus, 'a pouring forth' or 'outpouring'.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The term ἀνάχυσις is rare in classical Greek, but in Hellenistic and Koine periods, especially in moralizing or philosophical discourse, it often describes not just a literal pouring out of a liquid but also, more figuratively, a reckless or dissolute outpouring of behavior, words, or emotions. In the New Testament (e.g., 1 Peter 4:4), ἀνάχυσις appears in a context criticizing unrestrained or excessive behavior, particularly as it relates to dissipation or moral excess. English translations have often rendered it as 'excess', 'flood', or 'dissipation,' but these do not always capture the imagery of being 'poured out' or 'unrestrainedly overflowing.' The term is closely related to but more emphatic than terms like ἀσωτία (profligacy, debauchery), highlighting the notion of a sudden or forceful outpouring. While analogous to Hebrew concepts of 'overflowing' transgression (cf. Ps 78:20 LXX for χεῶ), the Greek nuance is more about absence of self-control or societal norms.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a comparative of ἀνά and (to pour); properly, effusion, i.e. (figuratively) license:--excess.

Root Family

ἀνάχυσις (anachysis) — outpouring, effusion, spilling forth, excess

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	Occurrences
`G401-01`	ἀνάχυσιν	anachusin	`N ACC F SG`	flood	an outpouring	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1
`G401-01`	1 Peter 4:4	ἀνάχυσιν	anachusin	`N ACC F SG`	flood	an outpouring

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