### 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.
TRV