from δυσ- and a comparative of ἐντός (meaning a bowel); a "dysentery":--bloody flux.
Transliteration:dysentería
Pronunciation:doos-en-ter-ee'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term δυσεντερία (dysentería, `{{G1420}}`) is a compound word derived from the prefix δυσ- (dys-), denoting difficulty, abnormality, or ill fortune, and a form related to ἐντός (entos), meaning "within" or "inside," specifically referring to the bowels or intestines. Therefore, its literal and precise meaning is a severe intestinal affliction. Medically, it refers to dysentery, an inflammation of the intestine, especially the colon, causing pain, fever, and severe diarrhea with blood and mucus. The King James Version accurately translates it as "bloody flux," capturing the debilitating and often fatal nature of the illness in the ancient world. The semantic range of δυσεντερία is narrow, pointing exclusively to this specific, acute gastrointestinal disease.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δυσεντερία (dysentería, `{{G1420}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 28:8]]: "And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a dysentery: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him."
* **Context:** This verse describes an event that occurred during Paul's stay on the island of Malta, following his shipwreck. Publius was the chief official of the island, and his father was gravely ill. The mention of "fever and of a dysentery" indicates a severe, life-threatening condition. Dysentery, especially when accompanied by fever, could be rapidly fatal in an era without modern medicine or sanitation.
* **Narrative Significance:** Paul's compassionate response to this dire situation is notable. He enters the home, prays, lays hands on the sick man, and miraculously heals him. This healing served as a powerful demonstration of divine power through Paul, not only bringing relief to Publius's household but also establishing Paul's credibility and the divine origin of his message among the islanders. The subsequent verses record that "when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed" [[Acts 28:9]], highlighting the profound impact of this initial miracle.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of δυσεντερία (dysentería, `{{G1420}}`) naturally connects with several broader biblical themes and terms:
* **Sickness and Disease:** General terms for illness include ἀσθένεια (astheneia, `{{G799}}`), meaning weakness or sickness, and νόσος (nosos, `{{G3554}}`), a specific disease. The Bible frequently depicts human vulnerability to various ailments, often as a consequence of the fallen world.
* **Healing:** The act of healing is central, represented by words like θεραπεύω (therapeuō, `{{G2323}}`) and ἰάομαι (iaomai, `{{G2480}}`). These terms describe both physical restoration and, in a broader sense, spiritual healing.
* **Miracles and Signs:** The healing of Publius's father is presented as a miraculous act, a δύναμις (dynamis, `{{G1411}}`) or display of divine power, and a σημεῖον (sēmeion, `{{G4592}}`), a sign validating the apostolic message and the presence of God's power.
* **Apostolic Ministry:** The event in Malta is consistent with the pattern of apostolic ministry throughout Acts, where the proclamation of the Gospel was often accompanied by "signs and wonders" [[Acts 2:43]], confirming the word preached and demonstrating God's active involvement.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of δυσεντερία (dysentería, `{{G1420}}`) carries significant theological weight:
* **Divine Sovereignty Over Illness:** The healing of Publius's father underscores God's ultimate authority and power over all forms of sickness and disease, even those as severe and life-threatening as dysentery. It demonstrates that no human affliction is beyond the reach of divine intervention.
* **Validation of the Gospel Message:** Miraculous healings, like this one, served as powerful attestations to the truth of the Gospel and the divine commission of the apostles. They were tangible proofs that God was indeed working through His servants, confirming their message with "signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit" [[Hebrews 2:4]].
* **Compassion and Ministry:** Paul's act of healing is an embodiment of Christian compassion and service. It reflects the example of Jesus Christ, who frequently healed the sick as an expression of His love and mercy. This act of kindness also opened doors for further ministry on Malta, demonstrating how practical acts of love can prepare hearts for the spiritual message.
* **God's Provision and Protection:** The healing not only brought relief to Publius's family but also led the islanders to honor Paul and his companions with many gifts and provisions, ensuring their needs were met for the remainder of their journey [[Acts 28:10]]. This illustrates God's providential care for His servants in the midst of challenging circumstances.
### Summary
The Greek word δυσεντερία (dysentería, `{{G1420}}`) precisely denotes the severe intestinal disease known as dysentery or "bloody flux." Its sole appearance in the New Testament, in [[Acts 28:8]], describes the illness of Publius's father on the island of Malta. The miraculous healing performed by Paul, through prayer and the laying on of hands, highlights several profound theological truths: God's supreme power over all sickness, the divine validation of the apostolic ministry through signs and wonders, the compassionate nature of Christian service, and God's providential care for His people. This single occurrence, therefore, serves as a powerful testament to the active presence of God's redemptive power in the world, manifested through His chosen instruments.
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