Unveiling the Word

Understanding the Greek word λιθοβολέω (lithoboleo) is vital for Biblical studies as it provides insights into ancient practices of justice and punishment. Appearing first in Matthew 21:35, λιθοβολέω is a verb meaning “to stone” or “to throw stones at.” This word’s significance in New Testament interpretation is tied to its cultural and legal contexts, particularly regarding the practice of stoning as a form of capital punishment or mob justice in ancient Jewish society. By studying λιθοβολέω, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the social and religious dynamics of the New Testament world and how such practices influenced both daily life and theological narratives.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: λιθοβολέω (lithoboleo) [pronunciation: lee-tho-BOH-leh-oh].

Etymology: The word λιθοβολέω is derived from two Greek roots: λίθος (lithos), meaning “stone,” and βάλλω (ballo), meaning “to throw.” Combined, these roots form a word that literally means “to throw stones.”

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, λιθοβολέω describes an action related to stoning, usually in the context of a group carrying out a judicial or mob decision. It follows standard Greek conjugation patterns for verbs.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. To Stone (to Death): The primary meaning of λιθοβολέω is “to stone,” typically referring to the act of throwing stones at someone as a form of execution or punishment.
2. To Throw Stones At: This broader meaning encompasses any act of throwing stones at a person, animal, or object, not necessarily for execution but possibly for driving away or warding off.

Exploring Similar Words

1. βάλλω (ballo) [pronunciation: BAL-lo]: Meaning “to throw” or “to cast.” While βάλλω is more general, λιθοβολέω specifies throwing stones.
2. καταλιθοβολέω (katalithoboleo) [pronunciation: ka-ta-lee-tho-BOH-leh-oh]: A compound verb meaning “to stone thoroughly” or “to stone down,” indicating a more intense or complete action.
3. λιθοτομέω (lithotomeo) [pronunciation: lee-tho-toh-MEH-oh]: Meaning “to cut stones.” Unlike λιθοβολέω, this word relates to the act of quarrying or cutting stones for construction rather than throwing them.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, λιθοβολέω follows the regular conjugation patterns of Greek verbs:

Tense, Voice, Mood:

• Present Indicative Active: λιθοβολέω (I stone), λιθοβολεῖς (you stone), λιθοβολεῖ (he/she/it stones), etc.
• Aorist Indicative Active: ἐλιθοβόλησα (I stoned), ἐλιθοβόλησας (you stoned), ἐλιθοβόλησε(ν) (he/she/it stoned), etc.
• Perfect Indicative Active: λελιθοβόληκα (I have stoned), etc.

Person and Number:

• 1st Person Singular: λιθοβολέω (I stone)
• 2nd Person Singular: λιθοβολεῖς (you stone)
• 3rd Person Singular: λιθοβολεῖ (he/she/it stones)
• Plural forms follow similarly.

Aspect:

• Imperfective Aspect: Indicates a continuous or repeated action, as in the present or imperfect tense.
• Perfective Aspect: Denotes a completed action, typically seen in the aorist tense.

Conjugation Table for Present Indicative Active:

For more on reading and understanding Greek grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

λιθοβολέω is used in various contexts within the New Testament to describe the practice of stoning, which was a method of capital punishment for specific crimes under Jewish law. The term appears when describing violent acts of execution or mob aggression against individuals accused of blasphemy or other serious offenses. In the classical context, λιθοβολέω also carries the idea of public justice and communal participation in enforcing societal norms. Lexicons highlight both the physical act of throwing stones and the broader social and theological implications, particularly within the legal framework of ancient Israel and the Greco-Roman world.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 21:35 – “And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned [λιθοβόλησαν] another.”
2. Acts 7:58 – “And they cast him out of the city and stoned [λιθοβολοῦντες] him; and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.”
3. John 8:5 – “Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone [λιθοβολεῖν] such women. What do you say?”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb λιθοβολέω (lithoboleo) provides a crucial understanding of ancient judicial practices and the harsh realities of societal justice in biblical and classical contexts. By examining this word, scholars and readers gain insight into how stoning served as a means of maintaining social order and religious purity, reflecting the community’s power dynamics and legalistic traditions. Understanding λιθοβολέω also aids in interpreting several New Testament passages where the concept of justice, mercy, and law intersect.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: Stoning, or λιθοβολέω, was one of the most common methods of capital punishment in ancient Israel, reserved for crimes such as blasphemy and adultery.
• Fact 2: The Mishnah, a Jewish legal text, outlines specific guidelines for how stoning should be carried out, including the height from which a condemned person was to be pushed before stoning.
• Fact 3: The Greek word λιθοβολέω appears in both biblical and secular Greek literature, showing its wide usage across different contexts of ancient society.