λάσχω
láschō
G2997
SILEX Entry
Definition
To break open or split apart, especially as a result of force or pressure; to burst. In context, refers specifically to something being violently or suddenly cleft, torn, or ruptured.
Semantic Range
to burst open, to be cleft asunder, to split apart, (passively) to be ripped or torn open
Root / Etymology
Related to the root λαχ-, but etymology is uncertain. The verb λάσχω appears only in certain forms and is considered by lexicographers as an obscure or rare verb, possibly pre-Greek or onomatopoeic in origin.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Λάσχω is extremely rare in extant Greek literature and is largely attested only in the New Testament (notably Acts 1:18, 'ἐλάκησε μέσος' - 'he burst open in the middle'). The verb is considered by ancient lexicographers (e.g., Photius, Hesychius) to refer to a sudden splitting, cleaving, or bursting open, often as a result of violence or inner pressure. Its usage in Acts 1:18 likely reflects a literary or colloquial register, as more common verbs for 'to break' or 'split' (e.g., ῥήγνυμι, σχίζω) appear elsewhere in Greek. Standard English translations often render the context as 'burst open' or 'burst asunder', but the sense encompasses a more graphic or violent rending. There is virtually no classical usage known for this form. The continued presence of alternate forms (λακάω, λακίζω) in Greek literary and non-literary papyri suggests a semantic field of splitting, hurling apart, or being violently cleft, but λάσχω itself is not well attested outside biblical usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a strengthened form of a primary verb, which only occurs in this and another prolonged form as alternate in certain tenses; to crack open (from a fall):--burst asunder.
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.