The Greek word sparássō, represented by G4682, describes a violent physical action. Its definition is to mangle, rend, or tear, and it is specifically used to mean to convulse with epilepsy. This powerful term appears 4 times across 4 unique verses, exclusively depicting the severe effects of demonic influence on a person.
In the biblical narrative, G4682 is used consistently to illustrate the physical torment caused by unclean spirits. When a spirit is confronted, it often reacts by violently convulsing its victim. For example, when a boy is brought to Jesus, the spirit "tare" him, causing him to fall and wallow on the ground Mark 9:20. This action is portrayed as a final, desperate act of a departing spirit, which "rent" the boy sore before coming out of him Mark 9:26. The term is also used when an unclean spirit had "torn" a man before crying out and leaving him Mark 1:26. In another account, a spirit "teareth" a child, causing him to foam at the mouth Luke 9:39.
Several related words appear alongside G4682, further illustrating the scene of spiritual affliction:
- G2896 krázō (to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)): This word often accompanies the convulsion, describing how the spirit "cried" out during the event (Mark 1:26, Mark 9:26).
- G875 aphrízō (to froth at the mouth (in epilepsy)): This verb describes a direct physical symptom of the convulsion, as seen when the possessed boy was "foaming" after the spirit tare him Mark 9:20.
- G876 aphrós (froth, i.e. slaver): Similar to the verb form, this noun is used to describe the state of the one being torn, noting that the spirit teareth him that he "foameth" Luke 9:39.
- G4937 syntríbō (to crush completely, i.e. to shatter (literally or figuratively)): This term is used to describe the lasting harm of the attack, as the spirit departs after "bruising" him Luke 9:39.
The use of G4682 carries significant weight in understanding the nature of demonic oppression in the Gospels.
- Violent Manifestation: The word graphically portrays demonic activity not as a subtle temptation but as a physically destructive and agonizing force that mangles the human body, as when a spirit would "tare" a person Mark 9:20.
- Climax of Conflict: Tearing or convulsing often marks the peak of a spiritual confrontation, occurring immediately before an unclean spirit is cast out (Mark 1:26, Mark 9:26). It represents a final, violent resistance to divine authority.
- Associated Symptoms: The convulsions are consistently linked with other severe symptoms like crying out Mark 9:26, foaming (Mark 9:20, Luke 9:39), and bruising Luke 9:39, creating a complete picture of the victim's suffering.
In summary, G4682 sparássō is a specific and powerful verb used exclusively to describe the physical horror of demonic possession. It is not a general term for tearing but is precisely applied to the violent convulsions inflicted upon individuals by spirits. Its consistent usage across four separate instances in the Gospels paints a vivid and distressing picture of the physical reality of spiritual warfare and the severe torment from which individuals were delivered.
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