Brief Overview of κολάζω (Strong’s G2849: kolazō)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is crucial for Biblical studies as it allows us to grasp the depth and nuances of the original text. The Greek word κολάζω (kolazō) is particularly significant for its use in contexts involving discipline, correction, and punishment. Its appearance in Acts 4:21 adds a layer of meaning to the early church’s experiences of persecution and the broader cultural understanding of punitive actions. This word also provides a window into ancient Greek and early Christian thought on justice, correction, and moral discipline, making it relevant for both New Testament interpretation and the study of ancient Greek culture.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κολάζω, transliterated as kolazō [koh-LAH-zoh].

Etymology: The word kolazō is derived from the root kolos, meaning “to curtail” or “to dock.” This root suggests an original sense of pruning or cutting back, which evolved metaphorically to mean restraining, correcting, or punishing.

Part of Speech: Verb. Kolazō is a verb used primarily in the active voice. It can appear in various tenses, voices, and moods depending on the grammatical context, and it belongs to the contract verb category in Greek.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Punish or Chastise: The primary meaning of kolazō is “to punish” or “to chastise,” especially in a way that implies correction or reformation. This usage is often seen in both secular and religious texts, where punishment is not just retributive but also corrective.
2. To Restrain or Curb: The word can also mean “to restrain” or “to curb,” which is more aligned with its etymological roots in cutting back or pruning. In this sense, it is about limiting or holding back rather than outright punishment.
3. To Suffer Punishment: In some contexts, particularly passive constructions, it can mean “to suffer punishment,” indicating the recipient of disciplinary actions rather than the one administering them.

Exploring Similar Words

1. τιμωρέω (timōreō) [ti-moh-REH-oh]: Refers specifically to “punishing” with an emphasis on retribution rather than correction. It differs from kolazō in that timōreō focuses more on avenging a wrong rather than correcting behavior.
2. παιδεύω (paideuō) [pai-DEY-oh]: Means “to educate” or “to discipline,” often in a nurturing or formative context. While paideuō can involve correction, it is more about education and upbringing, differing from kolazō, which is more punitive.
3. δέρω (derō) [DEH-ro]: Means “to beat” or “to flog.” This word emphasizes physical punishment and is distinct from kolazō, which can imply both physical and non-physical forms of restraint and correction.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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Tense, Voice, Mood: Kolazō is a verb that can appear in various forms. The Present Indicative form is κολάζω (I punish), while the Aorist Indicative is ἐκόλασα (I punished). Below is a conjugation table for the Present Indicative:

The verb can also be used in other tenses like Imperfect, Future, and Aorist, and in different moods such as Subjunctive and Imperative. For a deeper understanding of Greek verbs and their conjugations, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Kolazō is a versatile word in Greek lexicons, reflecting a range of meanings from the literal to the metaphorical. In New Testament contexts, kolazō often refers to divine or judicial punishment aimed at correction or discipline. In classical Greek, it can imply physical punishment but also extends to the idea of pruning or cutting back for growth. Lexicons like BDAG and Thayer’s highlight its usage in both secular and religious texts, noting its implications for moral and spiritual correction. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 4:21: “So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish [κολάζω] them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

Kolazō is a powerful word that conveys ideas of punishment, restraint, and correction. It plays a crucial role in both New Testament and classical Greek literature to describe punitive actions that have a corrective or reformative purpose. The word’s use in Acts and other biblical passages emphasizes a balance between justice and mercy, reflecting God’s desire to correct rather than merely punish.

Did You Know?

1. Kolazō originally referred to “pruning” or “cutting back” in ancient Greek, which later evolved to mean “punish” or “correct.”
2. In classical Greek philosophy, kolazō was often used to discuss ethical punishment—punishment that aims to benefit the one punished rather than merely avenge a wrong.
3. The concept of kolazō in early Christian writings often reflects a divine approach to discipline, emphasizing moral growth and spiritual development rather than retribution.