σπαράσσω
sparássō
G4682 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To tear or rend violently, to convulse or cause spasmodic movement; specifically, to cause sudden and forceful separation of flesh, objects, or to describe convulsive bodily seizures. The verb denotes a violent or intense disruption, whether in the physical body, fabric, or other material, and can refer to both literal and metaphorical tearing.
Semantic Range
to tear or rend violently, to convulse (bodily spasm), to mangle (especially flesh), to disrupt or distort by force
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root σπαρ-, related to σπάω (to draw, pull), with an apparent intensification suggesting violence or suddenness. The etymology reflects a development from the basic sense of pulling or drawing out, heightened to describe tearing or rending with force.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, σπαράσσω is attested as meaning to tear or rend, particularly in the context of violent or frenzied action, such as the tearing apart of flesh (e.g., by animals or in Bacchic rituals). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, its usage continues with reference to physical violence, as in the behavior of wild animals or demonic entities. In the New Testament (Mark 1:26; 9:26; Luke 9:42), it is used of convulsions and spasms attributed to unclean spirits; here, the focus is both on the physical tearing or distortion of the body and on the sudden, forceful action implied by the root. The English translation 'convulse' or 'tear' (as in 'to tear apart') often does not fully reflect the violent, spasmodic nuance of the original. Compared with related verbs such as διασπαράσσω (to tear asunder, to rend apart entirely), σπαράσσω implies a violent, active rending rather than a passive splitting. Usage in the Septuagint is rare but consistent with connotations of violence or destruction. The term is sharply distinct from figurative verbs for division or separation that lack the violent nuance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
prolongation from (to grasp; apparently strengthened from σπάω through the idea of spasmodic contraction); to mangle, i.e. convluse with epilepsy:--rend, tear.
Root Family
σπαρ- (sparássō) — to tear, to rend, to convulse
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4682-01 |
σπαράσσει | sparassei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
it tears | violently rends | it violently rends | 1 |
G4682-02 |
σπαράξαν | sparaxan | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM N SG |
having convulsed | having violently torn | having convulsed | 1 |
G4682-03 |
σπαράξας | sparaxas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
convulsing | having violently torn | having violently torn | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4682-02 |
Mark 1:26 | σπαράξαν | sparaxan | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM N SG |
having convulsed | having violently torn | having convulsed |
G4682-03 |
Mark 9:26 | σπαράξας | sparaxas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
convulsing | having violently torn | having violently torn |
G4682-01 |
Luke 9:39 | σπαράσσει | sparassei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
it tears | violently rends | it violently rends |