ἀφρίζω (aphrizō)
aphrizō
to foam
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb aphrizō means to foam or froth, describing the physical action of saliva bubbling at the mouth. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in the Gospel of Mark (9:18, 20), where it depicts the intense physical distress of a boy possessed by an unclean spirit.
Its root is aphros, meaning "foam" or "froth." The sources note that this specific term captures the violent, involuntary nature of the condition rather than a calm state. Translators typically render it as "foaming at the mouth," preserving the vivid imagery of the original text.
This rare usage highlights the severity of the affliction described in Mark’s narrative. By choosing aphrizō over more general terms for distress, the text emphasizes the supernatural and chaotic character of the boy’s suffering before Jesus’ intervention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aphrizō describes a state of intense physical distress, specifically foaming at the mouth due to violent convulsions. In Mark’s Gospel, this vivid imagery underscores the severity of the boy’s affliction and the helplessness he felt under the power of an unclean spirit. It is not merely a symptom but a sign of deep suffering that human effort could not resolve.
When we face situations that feel beyond our control, this passage reminds us that some burdens are too heavy for our own strength. The disciples’ inability to heal the boy shows that spiritual authority comes from Jesus alone. We do not need to carry the weight of every crisis; we can bring our deepest struggles to Him.
Even in moments when chaos seems to overwhelm us, Christ’s presence brings peace. His power is sufficient for every kind of brokenness, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. We can trust that He sees our pain and has the authority to bring restoration where human help ends.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he foams1×
- foaming.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀφρίζων.1×
- ἀφρίζει1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 9:18
and wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they weren’t able.”
This verse establishes the boy’s helpless state, showing that even the disciples could not overcome the affliction through their own efforts.
-
Mark 9:20
They brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit convulsed him and he fell on the ground, wallowing and foaming at the mouth.
Here the spirit’s violent reaction upon seeing Jesus highlights the immediate clash between demonic power and Christ’s authority.