δυσεντερία (dusenteria)
dusenteria
dysentery
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun dusenteria refers to a severe bowel ailment, commonly translated as dysentery. In the New Testament, it appears only once, describing the physical suffering of Publius’s father on the island of Malta (Acts 28:8). The term captures a specific type of intense gastrointestinal distress, likely involving inflammation and pain that would have been debilitating in the ancient world.
Etymologically, the word combines a prefix meaning "bad" or "difficult" with a root related to the bowels or intestines. This construction highlights the severity of the condition rather than just general illness. While modern medicine distinguishes between various causes, the biblical usage focuses on the visible, acute nature of the sickness that required care and healing.
Its single occurrence in Acts 28:8 serves as a backdrop for Paul’s ministry of healing. The fact that Peter and other apostles are not mentioned here emphasizes Paul’s role in bringing relief to this suffering man. This rare word underscores the tangible, physical aspect of Jesus’ power extended through his servants, addressing real human pain with direct intervention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dusenteria appears just once in the New Testament, describing a severe intestinal illness that left Publius’s father bedridden and in great pain. In Acts 28:8, we see Paul visiting this suffering man, praying, and laying hands on him for healing. This single instance reminds us that God cares about our physical bodies as much as our spirits. He does not leave us to suffer in silence.
When we face illness or care for those who are sick, this story offers comfort. It shows that prayer is not just a spiritual exercise but a tangible act of love and power. Jesus’ compassion flows through His church to touch real human pain. We can trust that He sees our struggles and invites us to bring them to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with dysentery1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δυσεντερίῳ1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 28:8
The father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.
This is the only occurrence of the word, highlighting Paul’s direct intervention in a case of severe physical suffering.