prolongation from (to grasp; apparently strengthened from σπάω through the idea of spasmodic contraction); to mangle, i.e. convluse with epilepsy:--rend, tear.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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.
TRV