λάσχω (laschō)
laschō
to burst
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb laschō describes a violent rupture that produces a loud, cracking sound. While classical Greek often used it for clanging or crashing noises, the New Testament applies it to physical bursting. It appears only once in the entire Bible, in Acts 1:18, where it depicts the gruesome death of Judas Iscariot.
Lexical sources suggest the word implies a forceful explosion, as when a container bursts under pressure or a body is torn apart. The text states that Judas "burst open" (ἐλὲκησεν), and his body spilled out. This usage highlights the shocking finality of his end, moving beyond simple death to a violent disintegration.
Some scholars note that this specific form might be related to words meaning to scream or shout, emphasizing the auditory impact of the event. However, the primary sense here is physical rupture accompanied by noise. The image serves as a stark visual marker in the narrative, contrasting sharply with the peaceful ascension that follows.
Translators typically render this as "burst open" or "fell headlong and burst," capturing both the motion and the destructive force. The rarity of the word underscores the unique nature of this event in early Christian tradition, leaving a vivid impression of judgment and consequence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word laschō appears only once in Scripture, describing a violent bursting that leaves no room for ambiguity. In Acts 1:18, it marks the tragic end of Judas Iscariot, whose betrayal led to a physical rupture so severe his body burst open. This stark image serves as a sobering reminder of the weight of unrepentant sin and the serious consequences of turning away from grace.
While the scene is disturbing, it also highlights the contrast between human failure and God’s sovereign plan. The early church did not see this event as the end of their story but as a moment that cleared the way for the selection of Matthias to replace Judas. It reminds us that while betrayal brings chaos, God remains in control, weaving even broken moments into His larger purpose.
For believers today, this rare word invites reflection on faithfulness and integrity. It encourages us to examine our own hearts, ensuring we remain rooted in truth rather than drifting toward compromise. The shock of Judas’s end underscores the importance of holding fast to our commitment to Christ, trusting that He sustains us through every trial.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he burst open1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐλάκησεν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 1:18
Now this man obtained a field with the reward for his wickedness; and falling headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines gushed out.
This is the only occurrence of laschō in the New Testament, describing the violent physical rupture of Judas’s body as a direct consequence of his betrayal.