### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apalgéō**, represented by `{{G524}}`, describes a state of being **past feeling**. Derived from ἀπό and a word meaning "to smart," it literally suggests grieving to the point of numbness or becoming apathetic. This specific term is rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G524}}` appears in [[Ephesians 4:19]], where it describes a profound state of moral and spiritual insensitivity. The verse portrays individuals who, **being past feeling**, have consequently abandoned themselves to sinful behavior. This condition of apathy is shown as a direct precursor to giving themselves over to lasciviousness and the practice of all forms of uncleanness with greediness. The word is not just about a lack of emotion, but a hardened state that has ceased to be pained by sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words found in [[Ephesians 4:19]] clarify the consequences of being "past feeling":
* `{{G3860}}` **paradídōmi**: This means **to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit**. It signifies the active choice of those who are past feeling to hand themselves over to sin.
* `{{G766}}` **asélgeia**: Defined as **licentiousness (sometimes including other vices)**, this is the first vice to which the apathetic surrender themselves, indicating a loss of self-control and moral restraint.
* `{{G167}}` **akatharsía**: Meaning **impurity (the quality), physically or morally**, this describes the outcome of their actions, as they "work all uncleanness" [[Ephesians 4:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G524}}` is significant despite its rarity, as it describes a critical spiritual condition.
* **Moral Callousness:** The term illustrates the endpoint of a hardened heart, one that is no longer responsive to the conviction of sin and has effectively "grieved out" its capacity for moral pain.
* **Active Surrender:** Being "past feeling" is not a passive state but leads to a decisive action: giving oneself over (`{{G3860}}`) to a lifestyle characterized by impurity (`{{G167}}`) and licentiousness (`{{G766}}`).
* **A Gateway to Vice:** The concept shows that a loss of spiritual sensitivity is a direct path to unrestrained indulgence in sin, driven by an insatiable desire or "greediness" (`{{G4124}}`) [[Ephesians 4:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G524}}` provides a powerful and concise description of a dangerous spiritual state. Though used only once, it defines the condition of being so morally numb that one willingly and actively surrenders to a life of escalating sin. It serves as a stark warning about the consequences of a heart that becomes calloused and past the point of feeling.
TRV