Brief Overview of ῥαβδίζω (Strong’s G4463: rhabdizō)

Strong’s G4463: A verb meaning “to beat with rods,” describing a specific form of Roman punishment. Used in the New Testament to describe the physical persecution of early Christians, particularly Paul’s experiences. Reflects both Roman judicial practice and the cost of discipleship.

U- Unveiling the Word

ῥαβδίζω represents a specific form of corporal punishment in the Roman world, involving beating with rods (fasces) carried by Roman lictors. In New Testament usage, it appears in contexts of persecution, particularly in Paul’s accounts of suffering for the gospel. The term carries both legal and cultural significance, as it was an official Roman punishment, distinct from other forms of beating. Early church fathers saw in this word a testimony to the physical cost of discipleship. Today, this word continues to remind us of the potential cost of following Christ and the reality of persecution.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ῥαβδίζω, rhabdizō, /rabˈdizo/
• Pronunciation Guide: “rahb-DEE-zoh” (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: ῥάβδος (rhabdos) meaning “rod” or “staff”
• Suffix: -ίζω (-izō) – verbal suffix indicating action
• Creates verb meaning “to use a rod” or “to beat with rods”

D – Defining Meanings

• To beat with rods
• To administer rod punishment
• To strike with sticks
• To punish officially

Translation Options:

• To beat with rods – Most precise translation
• To flog – General equivalent
• To cane – Modern equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μαστιγόω (mastigoō) /mastiˈgoo/ – to scourge – See G3146
• δέρω (derō) /ˈdero/ – to beat, strike – See G1194
• τύπτω (tuptō) /ˈtypto/ – to strike, smite – See G5180

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features (Verb):

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Infinitive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (present), Punctiliar (aorist)

Examples:

• Present Active: ῥαβδίζω (I beat with rods)
• Aorist Passive: ἐρραβδίσθην (I was beaten with rods)
• Perfect Passive: ῥεράβδισμαι (I have been beaten with rods)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its specific reference to Roman punishment. Thayer’s notes its technical legal usage. LSJ provides examples from civil administration. Vine’s highlights its use in persecution contexts. Strong’s connects it to official punishment. LEH traces similar usages in Greek literature. Moulton and Milligan show its appearance in legal papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they [ῥαβδίσαντες] beat them with rods and threw them into prison.” Acts 16:22

Additional References:
2 Corinthians 11:25

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ῥαβδίζω reminds us of the real cost of discipleship while proclaiming the transformative power of the gospel. Through Paul’s willingness to endure this punishment, we see how the message of Christ was worth any price. This word proclaims the good news by showing that even severe persecution cannot stop the spread of God’s kingdom.

D – Did You Know?

1. Roman citizens were legally exempt from this punishment, though Paul endured it multiple times.
2. The rods (fasces) used were symbols of Roman authority, giving the punishment official status.
3. Early Christian martyrdom accounts often referenced this specific form of persecution.

Strong’s G4463: A verb denoting official punishment by beating with rods, particularly in Roman judicial context. Significant in accounts of early Christian persecution and Paul’s sufferings for the gospel. Represents both legal authority and the cost of discipleship.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: punishment, persecution, Roman law, suffering, martyrdom, Paul’s trials, discipleship, beating, legal system, physical punishment, Christian persecution, testimony​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​