Strong’s Greek 4682 describes the violent convulsing or rending that accompanies demonic oppression in the Synoptic Gospels. Each appearance of the verb pictures a hostile spirit inflicting bodily harm on its victim just before being expelled by the authoritative word of Jesus Christ. The term therefore functions less as a medical description and more as a theological signpost, highlighting the destructive intent of demons and the absolute sovereignty of the Son of God.

Occurrences in the New Testament

• Mark 1:26 – “And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and came out with a loud cry.”
• Mark 9:26 – “After shrieking and convulsing him violently, the spirit came out.”
• Luke 9:39 – “A spirit seizes him, and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It hardly ever leaves him and is destroying him.”

In each instance the verb appears in narrative accounts of Jesus liberating an oppressed individual, usually in the presence of onlookers who witness both the violence of the demon and the triumph of Christ.

Context of Demon Possession

First-century Judaism recognized personal evil spirits that could dominate human bodies (compare Matthew 12:43-45). The Gospel writers treat such possession as an observable reality rather than superstition. The convulsive tearing described by σπαράσσω underscores the malicious nature of demons, intent on disfiguring the image-bearers of God (Genesis 1:27). This behavior fulfills the thief’s agenda “to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10).

Jesus’ Authority and the Kingdom of God

The violent convulsion does not signal demonic victory but impending defeat. Each time, the demon’s final outburst highlights Christ’s unopposed authority:
• In Mark 1:25-26, Jesus silences the spirit and commands it to depart; the convulsion follows His word and ends with complete deliverance.
• In Luke 9:42 (continuing the verse begun in 9:39), Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit, heals the boy, and returns him to his father, demonstrating the arrival of the Kingdom of God in power (Luke 11:20).

Thus σπαράσσω functions literarily to contrast demonic cruelty with the compassionate, decisive reign of the Messiah.

Comparison with Septuagint and Extra-Biblical Usage

The verb is rare outside the New Testament. In later Greek literature it can describe tearing garments or mangling an animal, but the Gospel writers reserve it for spiritual conflict. Its scarcity amplifies the uniqueness of Jesus’ ministry and the particular ferocity of demonic opposition to Him.

Theological Significance

1. Revelation of Evil – σπαράσσω unveils the true character of demons: destructive, noisy, uncontrollable apart from divine intervention.
2. Revelation of Christ – The same scenes magnify Jesus as the stronger One (Luke 11:22) whose word instantly overrides spiritual bondage.
3. Foretaste of Final Judgment – Every forced exit anticipates the ultimate casting of Satan into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).
4. Compassionate Deliverance – The Lord not only expels the spirit but restores the victim, emphasizing holistic salvation.

Pastoral and Ministry Application

• Spiritual Warfare – The passages encourage sober realism regarding demonic activity while affirming believer confidence in Christ’s supremacy (1 John 4:4).
• Prayer and Fasting – Mark 9:29 links successful confrontation of entrenched spirits with spiritual disciplines, orienting ministry toward dependence on God rather than technique.
• Care for the Oppressed – The physical trauma implied by σπαράσσω calls the church to practical compassion for those in spiritual or psychological torment, integrating prayer, counsel, and community support.
• Proclamation of the Gospel – Each deliverance accompanies teaching or preaching, reminding servants of Christ that the announcement of the Kingdom and the demonstration of its power belong together.

Summary

σπαράσσω (Strong’s 4682) marks the violent death-throes of demonic tyranny under the command of Jesus. Though the verb depicts bodily convulsion, its deeper purpose is to display the clash between darkness and light, the misery of Satan’s rule, and the liberating authority of the Savior. The term therefore enriches Christology, informs spiritual warfare, and fuels pastoral care by assuring believers that the One who spoke peace into convulsion remains Lord over every hostile power.