### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb hállomai (`{{G242}}`) is derived from an apparently primary verb and primarily denotes a physical action: "to jump" or "to leap." As a middle voice verb, it often implies an action performed by the subject for their own benefit or initiated from within themselves. This self-initiated movement can be vigorous and sudden. Beyond its literal sense of physical motion, hállomai also carries a significant figurative meaning: "to gush" or "to spring up," particularly in reference to water. This dual semantic range allows the word to describe both dynamic physical activity and the spontaneous, life-giving flow of spiritual reality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term hállomai (`{{G242}}`) appears three times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its core meanings in profound contexts:
1. **Physical Healing and Joy:** In the book of Acts, hállomai describes the miraculous physical restoration of lame individuals.
* In [[Acts 3:8]], following Peter's command to "rise up and walk," the man who had been lame from birth "leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God." Here, the "leaping" signifies not only the immediate and complete restoration of physical ability but also the overwhelming joy and praise that accompany divine healing. The repetition of "leaping" emphasizes the man's exuberant response.
* Similarly, in [[Acts 14:10]], when Paul commands a man who had been lame from birth to "Stand upright on thy feet," the man "leaped and walked." Again, hállomai underscores the instantaneous and undeniable power of God at work, resulting in a dramatic physical transformation. In both Acts passages, the verb highlights the sudden, vigorous, and demonstrative nature of the healing.
2. **Figurative Spiritual Life:** In the Gospel of John, hállomai takes on a rich figurative meaning related to spiritual vitality.
* In [[John 4:14]], Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman about the living water He offers: "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." Here, hállomai describes the dynamic, inexhaustible flow of spiritual life that Jesus provides. The image is of a well whose waters are not stagnant but constantly "gushing" or "springing up," signifying an internal, ever-renewing source of life that leads to eternal existence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of hállomai (`{{G242}}`) connects it to other Greek terms denoting movement, particularly joyful or spontaneous movement, and concepts of life and vitality.
1. **skirtao (`{{G4625}}`):** This verb, meaning "to leap for joy" or "to exult," is closely related in its connotation of joyful, demonstrative movement. It is used in [[Luke 1:41]] and [[Luke 1:44]] to describe John the Baptist leaping in Elizabeth's womb upon hearing Mary's greeting, signifying prophetic recognition and joy in the presence of the Messiah. While hállomai can describe a more general leap, skirtao specifically emphasizes the emotional component of joy.
2. **anastasis (`{{G386}}`):** While not a direct synonym, the concept of "resurrection" or "standing up again" shares a thematic link with the physical "leaping up" seen in Acts. Both involve a sudden, divinely empowered transition from a state of immobility or death to vibrant life.
3. **hudor zōon (ζῶν ὕδωρ - "living water"):** This phrase, central to [[John 4:10-14]], is intrinsically linked to the "springing up" aspect of hállomai. The "living water" is dynamic, fresh, and life-giving, mirroring the spontaneous gushing described by the verb.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hállomai (`{{G242}}`) is profound, bridging physical manifestation of divine power with the spiritual reality of God's life-giving presence.
1. **Divine Power and Restoration:** In Acts, hállomai testifies to the direct, immediate, and undeniable power of God to restore what is broken. The "leaping" of the formerly lame signifies a complete and miraculous healing that transcends human capability. It serves as a visible sign of the inauguration of God's kingdom and the authenticity of the apostolic ministry, prompting praise and wonder among witnesses. This physical leaping is a tangible expression of God's redemptive work in the human body.
2. **Exuberant Joy and Praise:** The physical hállomai in Acts is often accompanied by praise and worship. The ability to leap, previously denied, becomes a powerful, uninhibited form of expression for the recipient's gratitude and joy. This suggests that divine intervention not only corrects physical ailments but also liberates the spirit, enabling a joyful response to God's goodness.
3. **The Indwelling Spirit and Eternal Life:** In [[John 4:14]], the figurative "springing up" of water carries immense theological weight. It symbolizes the Holy Spirit, given by Christ, who indwells believers as an inexhaustible source of spiritual life. This "well of water springing up" signifies a dynamic, internal, and continuous supply of divine life that satisfies spiritual thirst permanently and culminates in "everlasting life." It speaks to the abundant, self-renewing nature of God's presence within the believer, a life that is not static but vibrant and overflowing. This imagery connects the physical act of drinking to the spiritual act of receiving Christ, leading to an inner fountain of eternal vitality.
### Summary
The Greek verb hállomai (`{{G242}}`) encapsulates a powerful dual meaning in the New Testament: the literal "leaping" or "jumping" and the figurative "gushing" or "springing up." In its literal sense, as seen in Acts, it dramatically portrays the instantaneous and complete physical healing wrought by divine power, often eliciting profound joy and praise. The ability to "leap" becomes a visible sign of God's restorative work and the dawning of His kingdom. In its figurative sense, particularly in [[John 4:14]], hállomai beautifully describes the dynamic, inexhaustible, and internal flow of spiritual life provided by Christ through the Holy Spirit. This "springing up" water symbolizes the abundant, self-renewing presence of God within believers, leading to eternal life. Thus, hállomai serves as a potent descriptor of both God's physical intervention in human lives and the continuous, life-giving power of His Spirit.
TRV