Bible Dictionary
SWOLLEN
“Swollen” describes the inflammation expected after Paul was bitten by a viper on Malta. The islanders expected this visible effect, but Paul suffered no harm.
Definition
“Swollen” describes inflammation or enlargement following an injury, especially the expected effect of a poisonous snakebite.
Biblical Usage
After Paul was bitten by a viper on Malta, the islanders expected him to become swollen and die. When no harm came to him, they changed their opinion and regarded him as a god.
Historical Background
The underlying word was used by some medical writers for inflammation. Snakebite may produce swelling, local injury, bleeding beneath the skin, and paralysis.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>swol'-'-n (pimprasthai, only in Ac 28:6): The Melitans expected to see Paul poisoned by the viper's bite. the Revised Version (British and American) and the King James Version translate it "swollen," but the word is used by certain medical writers in the sense of inflammation; see Nicander, Theriaca, 306; Hesiod, Theogonia, 856, expressing thereby the burning up by a thunderbolt. Swelling accompanies the local lesion of snake-bite and often large purpuric exudation of blood, as well as paralysis, especially of the lower limbs.</p>