συσπαράσσω (susparassō)
susparassō
to convulse
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb susparassō describes a violent physical reaction, specifically to convulse or throw someone down with force. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both in the Synoptic Gospels (Mark 9:20 and Luke 9:42), to depict the intense suffering of a boy possessed by an unclean spirit.
Its meaning is intensified by the prefix syn-, suggesting a complete or thorough convulsion. The word conveys more than simple trembling; it implies a loss of bodily control so severe that the person is cast to the ground, as seen in these accounts where the boy falls and writhes. Translators typically render it as "convulsed" or "thrown down," capturing the abrupt and painful nature of the event.
This rare term highlights the physical reality of spiritual conflict in the Gospels. By using such a vivid word for bodily distress, the texts emphasize the severity of the boy’s condition before Jesus’ healing intervention, showing the profound impact of the demonic presence on his body.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word susparassō paints a stark picture of human vulnerability. In Mark and Luke, it describes a boy thrown into violent convulsions by an unclean spirit. The prefix suggests a total loss of control, where the body is no longer its own master. This imagery reminds us that some burdens feel beyond our strength to manage alone.
Yet the narrative does not end in despair. Jesus responds to this chaos with authority, rebuking the spirit and restoring the boy to his father. For those facing deep distress or illness, this account offers hope. It shows that no matter how overwhelming the situation appears, divine power can bring peace and healing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- threw into convulsions1×
- threw [him] into convulsions.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνεσπάραξεν.1×
- συνεσπάραξεν1×
Key Verses
-
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.
This verse uses the word to describe the immediate physical reaction when the boy sees Jesus, highlighting the spirit's attempt to maintain control even in Christ's presence.
-
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.
Here the term emphasizes the violent nature of the attack just before Jesus intervenes, underscoring the severity of the condition that required His direct action.