### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀποψύχω (apopsýchō - `{{G674}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo - "from, off, away from") and the verb ψύχω (psychō - "to breathe, to cool, to make cool"). The root verb ψύχω is associated with the vital breath and the cooling of the body. When combined with ἀπό, the word literally signifies "to breathe out," "to breathe away," or "to cease breathing." This literal meaning naturally extends to the metaphorical and resultant sense of "to faint," "to swoon," or "to lose consciousness." The nuance conveyed is often one of profound physical and emotional collapse, as if the very life-breath or vital spirit is departing. The English equivalent "hearts failing" captures this sense of overwhelming distress leading to a loss of strength and vitality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἀποψύχω (apopsýchō - `{{G674}}`) is remarkably rare in the New Testament, appearing only a single time. Its sole occurrence is found in [[Luke 21:26]]: "men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."
This verse is situated within Jesus' eschatological discourse, where He describes the signs that will precede His second coming and the culmination of the ages. The "hearts failing" is presented as a direct consequence of intense "fear" (φόβος - phobos - `{{G5401}}`) and the terrifying anticipation of cataclysmic events. The cosmic disturbances, where "the powers of heaven shall be shaken," are depicted as so overwhelming that they cause widespread and profound human dread, leading to a complete loss of composure and vital strength. It is not merely a transient physical faint, but a pervasive, existential terror that incapacitates humanity, indicating a state of utter despair and helplessness in the face of divine judgment and cosmic upheaval.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words and concepts are closely related to ἀποψύχω (apopsýchō - `{{G674}}`), enhancing our understanding of its meaning and context:
* **ψύχω (psychō - `{{G5594}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to breathe, to cool." This highlights the core idea of breath and vital force leaving the body.
* **ψυχή (psychē - `{{G5590}}`):** The noun meaning "soul, life, breath." When one's "heart fails" or they "breathe out," it implies a departure or weakening of the very psychē, the life principle itself.
* **φόβος (phobos - `{{G5401}}`):** "Fear, terror." This noun is explicitly linked as the cause of "hearts failing" in [[Luke 21:26]], underscoring the deep emotional and psychological component of the fainting.
* **Concepts of despair and terror:** The word evokes a state of utter hopelessness and overwhelming dread, contrasting with faith and hope.
* **Loss of vital strength:** It signifies a complete physical and emotional collapse, where one's capacity to function or endure is extinguished.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of ἀποψύχω (apopsýchō - `{{G674}}`) in [[Luke 21:26]] imbues it with significant theological weight, placing it firmly within the prophetic narrative of the end times. It serves as a stark depiction of the *human response* to the unfolding of God's sovereign plan in its climactic stages. The "hearts failing" signifies not just a physical weakness, but a profound spiritual and psychological breakdown among those who are unprepared for, or resistant to, the divine intervention.
This portrayal stands in sharp contrast to the posture of believers, whom Jesus instructs to "straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" ([[Luke 21:28]]). While the world is gripped by terror, the faithful are called to hope and anticipation. The word underscores the profound impact of God's power and judgment on a world that has rejected Him, portraying a humanity so overwhelmed by fear of the unknown and the inevitable that their very life force seems to abandon them. It speaks to the ultimate despair of those whose hope is solely in this transient world, highlighting the necessity of a transcendent hope found only in Christ.
### Summary
ἀποψύχω (apopsýchō - `{{G674}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to breathe out," specifically in the sense of "to faint" or "to swoon." Its etymology emphasizes the departure or cooling of vital breath. This rare word appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Luke 21:26]], where it vividly describes the profound terror that will cause "men's hearts failing them" during the signs preceding the end times. This "failing" denotes not mere physical weakness but a deep, existential dread brought on by cosmic disturbances and overwhelming fear. Theologically, it serves as a powerful depiction of the despair and spiritual collapse of humanity in the face of divine judgment and the shaking of creation, providing a stark contrast to the hope and readiness enjoined upon the faithful.
TRV