The Greek word dysentería, represented by G1420, is a specific medical term defined as dysentery and is translated as bloody flux. Derived from words meaning "a bowel," it describes a severe intestinal illness. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible.
The single occurrence of G1420 is found in the account of Paul's shipwreck on Malta. The scripture states that the father G3962 of Publius G4196, a chief man of the island, lay G2621 sick with a fever G4446 and a bloody flux G1420. In response, the apostle Paul G3972 entered in G1525, prayed G4336, and laid G2007 his hands G5495 on the man, and healed G2390 him Acts 28:8.
Several related words in the narrative provide context for the healing of this condition:
- G4446 pyretós (fever): This word appears directly alongside G1420, describing the compound nature of the man's severe illness Acts 28:8.
- G2390 iáomai (heal, make whole): This verb signifies the divine result of Paul's intercession, showing the complete cure of both the fever and the bloody flux Acts 28:8.
- G4336 proseúchomai (to pray to God): This action is presented as a crucial step in the healing process, indicating that the power came from God in response to Paul's prayer.
- G2007 epitíthēmi (to impose... lay upon): This term describes the physical act through which the healing was administered, as Paul laid his hands on Publius's father Acts 28:8.
While G1420 is a medical term, its context carries significant theological weight.
- Divine Authority Over Sickness: The healing from a specific and severe ailment like bloody flux serves as a clear demonstration of God's power over physical suffering, exercised through his apostle Acts 28:8.
- The Means of Grace: The narrative shows that God's power was ministered through the faithful actions of Paul, combining the spiritual discipline of prayer G4336 with the physical act of laying on of hands G5495.
- Compassionate Ministry: The act of Paul entering in G1525 to heal the sick man illustrates a ministry characterized by compassion and a direct response to human need.
In summary, dysentería G1420 is a precise term for a disease. Its sole biblical appearance is not for doctrinal exposition but to record a specific instance of miraculous healing. The event in Acts 28:8 uses this word to frame a powerful narrative of faith in action, where prayer and the laying on of hands result in a tangible demonstration of God's power to heal G2390 the afflicted.
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