ἅλλομαι

I leap, bubble up

Definition

The verb ἅλλομαι means 'to leap' or 'to spring up.' In its literal sense, it describes a physical jumping or leaping, as seen when a lame man leaps for joy after being healed (Acts 3:8). In a metaphorical sense, applied to water, it means 'to bubble up' or 'to spring up,' describing a living, flowing water source, such as the 'spring of water welling up to eternal life' promised by Jesus (John 4:14). This dual usage captures both vigorous physical movement and the dynamic, life-giving flow of water.

Biblical Usage

ἅλλομαι is used only three times in the New Testament, each in a distinct context that highlights its meaning. In John 4:14, it describes water 'welling up' (bubbling/springing up) eternally, a spiritual metaphor. In Acts 3:8, it depicts the healed lame man 'leaping up' and walking, a literal, joyful physical action. In Acts 14:10, it is used similarly for a lame man in Lystra who 'jumped up' and began to walk after Paul's command, again showing a miraculous physical restoration.

Etymology

The word ἅλλομαι is a verb of motion, derived from a root meaning 'to leap.' It is not directly related to the prefix ἀ- (meaning 'not'); that association is likely a folk etymology. It is a primary verb, and its cognates in other Indo-European languages also convey the idea of jumping or springing.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it bridges the physical and spiritual realms of God's action. In the Gospels, it describes the life-giving, eternal sustenance provided by Christ (John 4:14). In Acts, it illustrates the immediate and transformative power of God's healing through the apostles, resulting in exuberant praise and witness (Acts 3:8, 14:10). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by connecting the concept of 'living water' with vibrant, active movement and linking physical healing to a joyful, leaping response of faith.

In the ancient world, a reliable spring or well of water was a vital source of life in arid regions, making the metaphor in John 4:14 powerfully evocative of sustenance and permanence. The act of leaping, especially for someone previously lame, was not just a physical feat but a public, dramatic demonstration of a complete restoration, often interpreted as a divine sign or miracle.

σκιρτάω (skirtaō, G4640) — to leap for joy, often with a sense of exultation or ecstatic movement (e.g., Luke 1:41, 44).

Word Details

Scripture References