G3817

Unveiling the Word

The Greek word παίω (paiō) means “to strike” or “to hit.” It carries connotations of physical action and force, often implying a quick or sharp contact. In a biblical context, especially in Matthew 26:68, the word illustrates the moment when Jesus is struck by those mocking Him during His trial. This word is significant as it not only describes a physical act but also encompasses themes of violence, suffering, and injustice present in the New Testament narratives. The use of παίω emphasizes the brutality of the events leading to the crucifixion, encapsulating the pain inflicted on Jesus, which is central to Christian theology concerning sacrifice and redemption.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: παίω, pronounced [paɪ’ɔ].

Etymology: The root of the word comes from a primitive verb that means “to strike” or “to beat.” Its usage can extend to various forms of hitting, whether in a playful, aggressive, or disciplinary context.

Part of Speech: παίω is a verb. It is often used in the present tense and typically conveys active voice and imperative mood when expressing commands or actions.

Defining Meanings

To Strike: The primary meaning of παίω is to strike or hit. This can be applied in various contexts, including physical actions, such as hitting someone or something.

To Beat: In some contexts, it can also mean to beat, emphasizing a more forceful or violent action, often associated with punishment or combat.

To Playfully Hit: The word can also imply playful hitting, such as in games or lighthearted contexts, although this usage is less common in biblical texts.

Exploring Similar Words

τυπάω (tupao) [tyoo-pah’-o]: This word also means “to strike,” but it is often used in a more figurative sense to refer to hitting or beating someone in a more abstract manner, such as ideas or thoughts.

χαστέω (chasteō) [khas-teh’-ō]: This term means “to hit” or “to smite” as well but carries a connotation of inflicting damage, often in a more aggressive or violent sense compared to παίω.

κτυπάω (ktupao) [ktoo-pah’-o]: This word also means “to strike” but can have broader applications, including physical and metaphorical strikes in various contexts, such as making an impression or impact.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

• Tense, Voice, Mood: παίω is primarily used in the present tense, indicative mood, and active voice. The verb is straightforward, denoting immediate and ongoing action.

• Person and Number: Examples of conjugation include:

• 1st Person Singular: παίω (I strike)

• 2nd Person Singular: παίς (You strike)

• 3rd Person Singular: παῖ (He/She/It strikes)

• 1st Person Plural: παίομεν (We strike)

Studying Lexicon Insights

In various lexicons, παίω is noted for its physicality, reflecting both immediate action and emotional response. The nuances of the word capture not just the act of hitting but also the context surrounding it, especially in biblical texts where it reflects moments of injustice and suffering. The word’s use in the New Testament underscores themes of violence against Jesus, connecting physical actions to spiritual implications regarding sacrifice, faith, and redemption. The lexicons highlight the importance of understanding this term not just as a physical action but as part of a larger narrative about pain and the human condition.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 26:68: “Saying, ‘Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?’ [παίω]”

Luke 22:63: “Now the men who were holding Jesus mocked him as they struck him [παίω].”

John 18:22: “When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, ‘Is that how you answer the high priest?’ [παίω]”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Example 1: Homer, The Iliad: “Achilles struck [παίω] the ground in frustration, sending dust flying as he lamented his fate.”

Example 2: Sophocles, Oedipus Rex: “In rage, he struck [παίω] the wall, his hands reflecting the turmoil within.”

Example 3: Aristotle, Politics: “To govern justly, one must not strike [παίω] out of anger, but with reason and fairness.”

Septuagint Example 1: Proverbs 22:15: “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him [παίω].”

Septuagint Example 2: Isaiah 50:6: “I gave my back to those who strike [παίω] me and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.”

Septuagint Example 3: Jeremiah 5:3: “O Lord, do you not see how they strike [παίω] me, even though they have sworn loyalty?”

Noteworthy Summary

The term παίω is deeply rooted in both physical action and the emotional weight of striking or hitting, particularly in biblical contexts where it reflects themes of violence and suffering. Its implications go beyond mere action, touching upon profound moral and spiritual questions.

Did You Know?

1. The act of striking [παίω] in biblical narratives often symbolizes the deeper injustices faced by individuals, particularly in moments of trial and tribulation.

2. In classical literature, the term is frequently employed to convey emotional intensity, illustrating how physical actions can represent inner turmoil.

3. The usage of παίω is pivotal in understanding the dynamics of power and submission in ancient texts, where hitting often signifies authority or dominance.

Strong’s G3817: παίω (paiō) refers to “to strike,” encapsulating themes of violence and injustice, crucial to the narratives of sacrifice and suffering in biblical contexts.