Pronunciation Guide: ah-pop-SOO-kho (where ‘kh’ is pronounced like the ‘ch’ in Scottish ‘loch’)
Basic Definition
Strong’s G674: ἀποψύχω (apopsycho) describes the physical and psychological state of being utterly terrified to the point of fainting or expiring. In its New Testament usage, it specifically refers to people losing consciousness or “fainting away” due to extreme terror and distress, particularly in the context of witnessing overwhelming signs of God’s power and judgment.
Etymology and Morphology
- Compound verb formed from ἀπό (apo, “from, away from”) + ψύχω (psycho, “to breathe, cool”)
- Primary usage in narrative and apocalyptic literature
- Rare word in biblical Greek, appearing only once in the New Testament
- Related to the concept of the ψυχή (psyche, “soul, life-breath”)
ἀποψύχω Morphology:
- ἀποψύχω (present active indicative) – I faint away
- ἀποψύχοντων (present active participle genitive plural) – of those fainting
- ἀποψύχειν (present active infinitive) – to faint away
- ἀπέψυξα (aorist active indicative) – I fainted away
Origin & History
The term ἀποψύχω has roots in classical Greek medical literature, where it was used to describe the process of cooling or becoming cold, often in the context of death or loss of consciousness. Hippocrates used it in his medical writings to describe patients losing consciousness or experiencing severe shock. The compound structure emphasizes the completeness of the action – a total giving way of one’s faculties.
In the Septuagint, while the exact form ἀποψύχω is not frequent, related terms conveying extreme fear and fainting are found in contexts of divine manifestation and judgment, particularly in prophetic literature. This background provides important context for its New Testament usage.
Expanded Definitions & Translation Options
- To faint or lose consciousness due to extreme fear
- To expire or die (in classical usage)
- To become utterly terrified to the point of physical collapse
- To have one’s strength fail completely due to terror
ἀποψύχω Translation Options:
- “Fainting away” – Emphasizes the physical manifestation of extreme fear
- “Expiring from terror” – Captures the intensity of the emotional and physical response
- “Swooning” – A more literary rendering that conveys the sudden loss of consciousness
- “Being utterly terrified” – Focuses on the psychological aspect of the experience
Biblical Usage
The sole New Testament occurrence of ἀποψύχω appears in Luke 21:26, where Yeshua (Jesus) describes people’s reactions to the cosmic signs preceding His return. This usage is particularly significant as it occurs within the Olivet Discourse, one of the most important eschatological passages in Scripture. The word choice powerfully conveys the overwhelming nature of these events and their effect on human psychology.
Cross References of related concepts (though not using the exact word):
- “men’s hearts failing them for fear” Luke 21:26
- “fell to the ground and heard a voice” Acts 9:4
- “fell as dead” Revelation 1:17
Cultural Insights
In the ancient Mediterranean world, fainting or swooning was understood as a genuine physiological response to overwhelming circumstances, particularly divine encounters. This understanding was deeply embedded in both Greek and Jewish cultural contexts. The Hebrew prophets frequently described similar physical responses to divine manifestations, such as Daniel’s experience of becoming weak and falling into a deep sleep when encountering angelic beings (Daniel 10:9).
The concept also connects to ancient Jewish apocalyptic literature, where physical collapse in the presence of divine or celestial beings was a common motif, highlighting the gap between human frailty and divine power.
Theological Significance
The use of ἀποψύχω in Luke 21:26 serves as a powerful reminder of the overwhelming nature of God’s power and the finite limitations of human capacity to stand in His presence. This word choice emphasizes the absolute sovereignty of God and the appropriate fear and awe His manifestation produces in human beings.
The context of its usage in eschatological discourse also points to the ultimate vindication of God’s people and the final demonstration of His power over all creation. It reminds us that while believers may experience terror at the cosmic signs, they are assured of ultimate salvation through their faith in the Messiah.
Personal Application
Understanding ἀποψύχω challenges us to examine our own response to God’s power and presence. While we need not live in constant terror, this word reminds us of the appropriate awe and reverence we should maintain in our relationship with Him. It calls us to balance the intimate love we have for our Heavenly Father with a proper recognition of His overwhelming majesty and power.
This understanding can help us maintain proper perspective in our daily lives, remembering that the God we serve is not a mere concept but the awesome Creator whose power causes even the bravest to faint away.
Related Words
- φοβέω (phobeo) – to fear, be afraid, revere – Connected to the fear aspect but more general in scope. See G5399
- ἔκστασις (ekstasis) – amazement, trance, being beside oneself – Related to overwhelming supernatural experiences. See G1611
- λιποψυχέω (lipopsycheo) – to faint, fail in heart – Another term for fainting but without the specific terror aspect. See G3013
Did you Know?
- Modern medical literature still uses the term “psychogenic syncope” to describe fainting caused by emotional stress or fear, showing the enduring connection between extreme emotion and physical collapse that ἀποψύχω captures.
- In ancient Jewish apocalyptic literature, the physical response of fainting at divine appearances was seen as a mark of authenticity for prophetic visions, distinguishing true divine encounters from false ones.
- The compound structure of ἀποψύχω (apo + psycho) literally paints a picture of the soul or life-breath departing from the body, vividly describing the experience of complete physical collapse under divine terror.
Remember This
ἀποψύχω stands as a powerful testimony to the overwhelming majesty of God, reminding us that when His full power is displayed, even the strongest human faculties utterly fail.
