### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apopsýchō**, represented by `{{G674}}`, is defined as **to breathe out, i.e. faint**. It is formed from the words ἀπό and ψύχω. The term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, where it is translated as "hearts failing."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical use of `{{G674}}` is found in a prophetic context describing future distress. In [[Luke 21:26]], it portrays a scene of immense terror where "Men's hearts **failing** them for fear." This state of fainting or collapse is a direct reaction to the anticipation of calamitous events coming upon the earth, specifically when "the powers of heaven shall be shaken" [[Luke 21:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help to contextualize the meaning of `{{G674}}`:
* `{{G5401}}` **phóbos** (alarm or fright): This word is directly linked to `{{G674}}` in its only scriptural appearance, identifying **fear** as the cause for men's hearts failing [[Luke 21:26]].
* `{{G4531}}` **saleúō** (to waver, i.e. agitate, rock, topple): This describes the cosmic disturbance that prompts the fear. The heavens themselves will be **shaken**, an event that triggers the response of `{{G674}}` [[Luke 21:26]].
* `{{G444}}` **ánthrōpos** (man-faced, i.e. a human being): This specifies who is affected. It is **man** whose heart fails in this moment of dread, highlighting a universal human response [[Luke 21:26]]. The term is used broadly, for instance, in the title "Son of **man**" [[Luke 19:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G674}}` is concentrated in its singular, powerful appearance.
* **Eschatological Dread:** The word is used exclusively to describe the reaction to end-times events. The "failing" of hearts is a physical and psychological response to seeing the foundational elements of creation being **shaken** [[Luke 21:26]].
* **The Power of Fear:** The verse underscores that extreme **fear** `{{G5401}}` can have a physical, life-threatening effect. The fainting of the heart is not just an emotional state but a profound collapse of human spirit and vitality when faced with overwhelming terror.
* **Human Frailty:** The term highlights the limits of human endurance when confronted with divine power and cosmic judgment. It shows **man** `{{G444}}` in a state of utter helplessness, unable to withstand the signs of the end.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G674}}` **apopsýchō** is a specific and potent term whose meaning is defined by its sole biblical context. It describes the ultimate state of human terror, where a person's life force seems to ebb away in response to overwhelming fear. Its placement in [[Luke 21:26]] forever ties it to the eschatological dread that precedes the final judgment, vividly illustrating the reaction of humanity when the very powers of heaven are shaken.
TRV