ἀφρίζω

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word aphrízō, represented by G875, means to froth at the mouth. Derived from ἀφρός, it appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The term is used to describe a severe and violent physical symptom associated with what is depicted as epilepsy or demonic affliction.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the Gospel of Mark, G875 is used to describe the condition of a boy possessed by an unclean spirit. The boy's father explains to Jesus's disciples that wherever the spirit takes his son, "he teareth him: and he foameth" Mark 9:18. This description is immediately demonstrated when the boy is brought before Jesus; the spirit convulses him, and "he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming" Mark 9:20. The use of the word provides a vivid and distressing picture of the boy's suffering.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words appear alongside G875 to describe the violent nature of the seizures:

• G4682 sparássō (to mangle, i.e. convulse with epilepsy): This word emphasizes the violent, convulsive nature of the attack. In the narrative, "the spirit tare him" just before he began foaming Mark 9:20.
• G5149 trízō (to grate the teeth (in frenzy)): This action is listed as another one of the symptoms, where the boy "gnasheth with his teeth" Mark 9:18.
• G2947 kylióō (to roll about): This term describes the boy's physical response after falling to the ground, where he "wallowed foaming" Mark 9:20.
• G3583 xēraínō (to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature): The father notes this long-term effect of the condition, stating that his son "pineth away" Mark 9:18.

Theological Significance

The context of G875 highlights several key themes:

• The Power of Unclean Spirits: The act of foaming is presented as a direct physical manifestation of a spirit's destructive influence, as the spirit "teareth him" Mark 9:18 and causes him to foam.
• The Limits of Human Ability: The father reports that he brought his son to the disciples, but "they could not" cast the spirit out, underscoring their inability to overcome this power Mark 9:18.
• The Authority of Christ: The severe symptoms, including foaming, serve as a dramatic prelude to the demonstration of Jesus's superior power. In a parallel account, "Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child" Luke 9:42, showing his authority over the forces causing the affliction.

Summary

In summary, G875 is a highly descriptive term used to illustrate a state of extreme physical and spiritual distress. While it appears rarely, its context is significant, providing a graphic depiction of suffering that human efforts cannot alleviate. The act of foaming at the mouth serves to magnify the severity of the affliction, thereby highlighting the profound power of Jesus in bringing healing and deliverance.