ἐπαφρίζω
epaphrízō
G1890 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To foam upon—literally, to produce or emit foam upon (a surface); by extension, to exude or display outwardly (particularly of strong or uncontrolled emotion or quality, often used with a negative or pejorative sense). Primary meaning involves a physical action of foaming onto something; figuratively, it can denote openly expressing what is inside, especially in contexts of negative outpourings (rage, corruption, etc.).
Semantic Range
to foam upon, to emit foam onto a surface, to manifest or display (figuratively, especially negative passions or qualities), to outpour openly
Root / Etymology
From ἐπί ('upon, on') and ἀφρίζω ('to foam'), i.e., 'to foam upon.' The verbal form is compounded with the preposition, intensifying the sense of outward foam or effusion.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἐπαφρίζω is a rare verb, attested only in late or post-classical Greek. In the Greek Bible it occurs at Jude 13 to describe the behavior of 'wild waves of the sea' that foam out their own shame, emphasizing a vivid picture of uncontrolled or wasteful outpouring. The literal sense of foaming upon (as with the sea's waves) provides the basis for the metaphorical sense—publicly manifesting something disreputable or shameful. The figurative use, found especially in Jude 13 and not in classical literature, refers not merely to exhibiting any quality but specifically to an outpouring of negative, undesirable qualities (scandal, shame). Compared to the simplex ἀφρίζω ('to foam') which is attested in contexts of physical frothing (such as with diseased persons or animals), ἐπαφρίζω intensifies the outward or visible aspect. Standard English translations ('foam out') capture the literal image but may miss the negative connotation present in the metaphorical biblical usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπί and ἀφρίζω; to foam upon, i.e. (figuratively) to exhibit (a vile passion):--foam out.
Root Family
ἀφρίζω (epaphrízō) — to foam, to emit froth, to exude
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1890-01 |
ἐπαφρίζοντα | epaphrizonta | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM N PL |
foaming | foaming upon | foaming upon | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1890-01 |
Jude 1:13 | ἐπαφρίζοντα | epaphrizonta | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM N PL |
foaming | foaming upon | foaming upon |