### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2711}}` *katapsýchō* is a compound word formed from the preposition *katá* (κατά) and the verb *psýchō* (ψύχω). The base verb *psýchō* fundamentally means "to breathe," "to blow," and by extension, "to cool" or "to make cool." This root also gives rise to words like *psychē* (ψυχή), meaning "soul" or "life-breath." The prefix *katá* in this context often conveys a sense of completion, intensity, or downward motion. Thus, `{{G2711}}` *katapsýchō* signifies "to cool down thoroughly," "to cool off completely," or "to refresh by cooling." The emphasis is on the action of providing relief from heat, leading to a state of refreshment. Its semantic range is quite narrow, focusing primarily on this literal act of cooling.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{G2711}}` *katapsýchō* appears only once in the New Testament, found in the poignant parable of the rich man and Lazarus:
* **[[Luke 16:24]]**: "And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.'"
In this singular occurrence, the rich man, suffering intensely in Hades, desperately pleads for even the slightest alleviation of his torment. His request to "cool" (καταψύξῃ) his tongue with a single drop of water underscores the unimaginable agony he endures. The choice of *katapsýchō* here emphasizes the profound and desperate need for complete relief from the consuming heat. It is not merely a desire for a slight chill, but a fervent longing for a thorough and effective cooling that would bring genuine refreshment from the fiery torment. The inability to receive even this minimal act of cooling highlights the fixed and unbridgeable chasm between the blessed and the condemned, and the utter hopelessness of the rich man's plight.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words shed further light on the meaning and theological implications of `{{G2711}}` *katapsýchō*:
* **`{{G5594}}` *psýchō***: The root verb, meaning "to cool," "to blow." This highlights the direct action of cooling.
* **`{{G409}}` *anapsýchō***: A closely related compound verb, meaning "to refresh," "to revive," "to cool again." This word often carries a broader sense of spiritual or physical restoration and refreshment (e.g., [[2 Timothy 1:16]]). While *anapsýchō* implies a restorative cooling, *katapsýchō* in [[Luke 16:24]] specifically emphasizes the desperate need for *any* cooling to alleviate intense suffering.
* **`{{G5595}}` *psychros***: An adjective meaning "cold," "cool."
* **`{{G5596}}` *psychos***: A noun meaning "coldness," "chill."
* **`{{G5590}}` *psychē***: "Soul," "life," "breath." While not directly related to "cooling" in meaning, it shares the common root *psych-*, stemming from the idea of "breathing" or "blowing," which connects to the concept of air and temperature regulation.
The concept of "water" as a source of relief and life is also intrinsically linked, contrasting the rich man's unfulfilled desire with the "living water" offered by Christ ([[John 4:10]], [[Revelation 21:6]]).
### Theological Significance
The solitary appearance of `{{G2711}}` *katapsýchō* in [[Luke 16:24]] carries profound theological weight within the context of Jesus' parable.
1. **The Reality of Post-Mortem Suffering**: The rich man's desperate plea for cooling underscores the very real, conscious, and agonizing torment experienced by those in Hades who have rejected God's grace. The need for *katapsýchō* is not merely symbolic; it points to an intense, unbearable suffering that demands immediate physical relief.
2. **Irrevocable Judgment**: The denial of even a single drop of water to cool his tongue emphasizes the finality and irrevocability of judgment. The "great chasm" ([[Luke 16:26]]) signifies an impassable barrier, indicating that there is no second chance or possibility of relief once one is in Hades.
3. **Contrast with Divine Provision**: The rich man's unfulfilled longing for cooling stands in stark contrast to the abundant "living water" and spiritual refreshment offered by God through Christ to believers ([[John 4:10]], [[Revelation 21:6]], [[Revelation 22:1]]). For the righteous, God provides ultimate comfort and satisfies all thirst; for the unrighteous, even the most basic physical relief is withheld.
4. **The Nature of Desperation**: The word highlights the abject desperation of the lost. Their torment is so severe that even a minute amount of cooling is perceived as an immense mercy, yet it is denied. This serves as a stark warning about the consequences of a life lived without repentance and faith.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G2711}}` *katapsýchō* means "to cool down thoroughly" or "to refresh by cooling." Its singular, yet highly impactful, occurrence in [[Luke 16:24]] portrays the rich man's agonizing torment in Hades and his desperate, unfulfilled plea for even the slightest physical relief. This word powerfully underscores the reality and intensity of post-mortem suffering, the irrevocability of divine judgment, and stands in stark contrast to the spiritual refreshment and living water freely offered by God to those who believe. It serves as a solemn reminder of the eternal consequences of one's earthly choices and the profound chasm between the blessed and the condemned.
TRV