from ἐπί and ἀφρίζω; to foam upon, i.e. (figuratively) to exhibit (a vile passion):--foam out.
Transliteration:epaphrízō
Pronunciation:ep-af-rid'-zo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπαφρίζω (G1890) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (G1909), meaning "upon" or "in addition to," and the verb ἀφρίζω (G875), meaning "to foam" or "to froth." The literal sense of ἐπαφρίζω is therefore "to foam upon" or "to cause foam to rise upon something."
In its figurative usage, as found in the New Testament, ἐπαφρίζω conveys the idea of exhibiting or spewing forth something vile or impure, much like the sea casts up foam, scum, or refuse. The prefix ἐπί intensifies the action, suggesting an overflowing, outward expulsion or manifestation of an inner state. It implies an uncontrolled, perhaps violent, and repulsive discharge of a vile passion or moral impurity. The semantic range thus extends from a literal physical action to a powerful metaphorical description of moral depravity made manifest.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἐπαφρίζω (G1890) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle of Jude:
* **[[Jude 1:13]]**: "Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever."
In this verse, Jude is describing the characteristics and ultimate destiny of ungodly individuals and false teachers who have infiltrated the Christian community. He employs a series of vivid, negative metaphors to depict their nature. The phrase "raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame" is a powerful simile.
The "raging waves" (κύματα ἄγρια) symbolize their turbulent, unstable, and destructive nature, reminiscent of the restless, uncontrollable sea. The action of "foaming out their own shame" (ἐπαφρίζοντα τὰς ἑαυτῶν αἰσχύνας) perfectly captures the idea that their inherent wickedness and moral corruption are not merely internal but are actively and visibly *expelled* or *manifested* in their words, deeds, and doctrines. The "shame" (αἰσχύνη, `{{G150}}`) here refers not to a feeling of disgrace but to their disgraceful, morally reprehensible behavior.
This imagery suggests a public, uncontrolled, and repulsive display of their depravity, much like the ocean spewing forth refuse or the scum that rises to the surface. Their very being, as it were, expels evidence of their spiritual bankruptcy, leading to their own self-condemnation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words and concepts illuminate the meaning of ἐπαφρίζω (G1890):
* **ἀφρίζω (G875):** The root verb, meaning "to foam," is used literally in the Gospels to describe a person foaming at the mouth, particularly in instances of demonic possession or epilepsy (e.g., [[Mark 9:18]], [[Mark 9:20]]). This connection reinforces the idea of an involuntary, perhaps violent, and often repulsive expulsion.
* **ἐπί (G1909):** The prefix, which adds a sense of intensity, direction (outward), or superimposition to the action of foaming.
* **αἰσχύνη (G150):** "Shame," "disgrace," or "dishonor." In [[Jude 1:13]], it refers to the disgraceful actions and character of the false teachers, which they "foam out" for all to see.
* **Concepts of impurity and defilement:** The imagery of "foaming out shame" aligns with broader biblical themes of spiritual and moral defilement. These individuals are depicted as spiritually unclean, and their actions are a public manifestation of this inner corruption. This resonates with Old Testament imagery, such as [[Isaiah 57:20]], which describes the wicked as "like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt."
* **Contrast with purity and fruitfulness:** The word implicitly stands in stark contrast to the pure, righteous, and fruitful lives expected of true believers, who are called to manifest the fruit of the Spirit, not the "foam" of shame.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐπαφρίζω (G1890) in [[Jude 1:13]] is profound:
* **Manifestation of Inward Corruption:** The word highlights that true ungodliness is not merely an internal state but actively expresses itself in outward, discernible ways. The "foaming out" signifies that the inner moral decay of these false teachers is inherently active and publicly displayed, making their character evident to discerning eyes. Their actions and teachings are not merely misguided but are the natural, repulsive overflow of their corrupted nature.
* **Self-Condemnation and Exposure:** By "foaming out their own shame," these individuals are, in effect, providing evidence of their own spiritual bankruptcy and moral depravity. Their very existence and behavior serve as a testament to their ungodliness, leaving them without excuse. This public display of wickedness leads to their own disgrace and condemnation.
* **Nature of False Teaching:** The metaphor underscores the destructive and repulsive nature of false teaching. It is not merely erroneous but spiritually toxic, spewing forth defilement into the community, much like the sea casts up its refuse.
* **Divine Judgment:** The immediate context of [[Jude 1:13]] connects this visible corruption to ultimate divine judgment. The "wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever" indicates that those who "foam out" their shame are destined for eternal condemnation. Their manifest wickedness is a precursor to their just desserts. The imagery serves as a warning against such individuals and a reminder of God's righteous judgment against all forms of ungodliness.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐπαφρίζω (G1890), uniquely found in [[Jude 1:13]], is a powerful and vivid term describing the outward manifestation of deep-seated moral corruption. Derived from ἐπί (upon) and ἀφρίζω (to foam), its literal sense of "to foam upon" or "to foam out" is employed metaphorically to portray ungodly individuals as "raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame." This imagery profoundly illustrates how their inherent depravity and disgraceful character are not merely internal but are actively and repulsively expelled through their words, deeds, and teachings. The word underscores the uncontrolled, vile, and self-condemning nature of their wickedness, serving as a stark contrast to godly character and foreshadowing the inevitable divine judgment awaiting those who publicly display such spiritual filth.
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