### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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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