ῥήγνυμι (rhēgnumi)
rhēgnumi
to throw violently
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb rhēgnumi describes a violent breaking or rending, often with forceful physical impact. In the Gospels, it frequently depicts sudden, disruptive events, such as the demons casting a boy to the ground in Mark 9:18 and Luke 9:42. The word conveys not just a simple break, but a tearing apart that is abrupt and aggressive, reflecting the chaotic nature of the encounters described.
Its usage extends beyond physical objects to include voices and sounds. Thayer notes it can mean to break forth into speech, particularly for those who previously could not speak, as seen in Galatians 4:27 where a voice is said to burst forth. This nuance highlights a powerful release of energy or expression that was previously contained or suppressed.
Etymologically, the word derives from roots related to breaking or bursting apart, distinct from gentler terms for tearing cloth. Translators often render it as "cast down" or "break," depending on context. In Matthew 7:6, it warns against throwing pearls before pigs, where the image is of valuables being violently discarded and trampled, emphasizing the worthlessness of what is offered to those who cannot appreciate it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rhēgnumi describes a sudden, violent breaking or casting down. In the Gospels, it captures moments where spiritual forces disrupt physical bodies, such as when demons throw individuals to the ground. This imagery highlights the chaotic power of evil and the urgent need for divine intervention to restore peace and order.
Jesus uses this same forceful language in parables about new wine bursting old wineskins. Here, the breaking represents the uncontrollable nature of God’s kingdom, which cannot be contained by rigid, outdated structures. It suggests that encountering Christ requires a willingness to let go of old ways that can no longer hold His life.
Even in Paul’s letters, rhēgnumi describes voices bursting forth in joy. This shift from violent casting down to joyful shouting shows how God transforms chaos into celebration. When we face brokenness or resistance, we can trust that Christ brings both healing and a new kind of freedom that overflows our previous limits.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will burst2×
- threw down1×
- they may tear to pieces1×
- it throws down1×
- do break forth1×
- are burst1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ῥήξει2×
- ῥῆξον1×
- ῥήσσει1×
- ῥήξωσιν1×
- ῥήγνυνται1×
- ἔρρηξεν1×
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 illustrates the word's primary use for violent physical seizure, showing the demon's power to throw the boy down and cause rigidity.
-
Matthew 7:6
“Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Here the term describes the destructive action of pigs tearing up pearls, emphasizing the waste of holy things when offered to those who reject them.
-
Luke 9:42
While he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him violently. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.
The demon’s violent casting down of the boy highlights the severity of the affliction before Jesus’ restorative rebuke.
-
Galatians 4:27
For it is written, “Rejoice, you barren who don’t bear. Break out and shout, you who don’t travail. For the desolate women have more children than her who has a husband.”
Paul uses the word metaphorically for voices bursting forth in joy, contrasting the barren woman’s sudden shout with her previous silence.