συσπαράσσω
sysparássō
G4952 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To tear or rend together; to convulse jointly or thoroughly. The word refers specifically to an act of being seized by violent spasms or convulsions, often associated with illness or demonic possession in ancient context. In some occurrences, it also has the connotation of being thrown down in the context of such violent physical episodes.
Semantic Range
to convulse violently, to tear completely, to rend together, to cause severe spasms, to throw down (in the context of a fit or seizure)
Root / Etymology
Composed of the preposition σύν ('with, together') and the verb σπαράσσω ('to tear, convulse, rend'). The compound indicates a more intense or collective action than σπαράσσω alone.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term συσπαράσσω is rare in Greek literature and is found in the New Testament at Mark 9:26 to describe the violent convulsions of a boy during an episode linked to demonic possession. The compound form emphasizes the thoroughness or completeness of the physical manifestation, as opposed to σπαράσσω, which can simply mean to convulse or tear. Classical Greek authors rarely use this compound, and it appears predominantly in medical or exorcistic contexts in Koine. English translations often employ phrases like 'convulse violently' or 'throw into convulsions', but these can understate the completeness and the shared or joint aspect implied by the prefix σύν. The usage in the New Testament reflects a heightened emphasis on the dramatic, physical nature of the event being described.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σύν and σπαράσσω; to rend completely, i.e. (by analogy) to convulse violently:--throw down.
Root Family
συσπαράσσω (sysparassō) — to tear, to rend, to convulse violently
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4952-01 |
συνεσπάραξεν | sunesparaxen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
convulsed | convulsed violently | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences