Brief Overview of πατάσσω (Strong’s G3960: patassō)

Strong’s G3960: A primary verb meaning to knock, strike, or smite, often with implications of violence or judgment. Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, particularly in reference to divine intervention or punishment. Carries significant theological weight in passages about God’s actions toward humans.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πατάσσω primarily denotes a forceful striking or smiting action. In the New Testament, it carries deep theological significance, often used in contexts of divine judgment or intervention. The word appears in crucial prophecies about Christ and descriptions of God’s actions. Early church writers understood it as expressing both God’s power to judge and His sovereignty in redemptive history. Today, it helps us understand God’s authority and the serious nature of divine intervention.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πατάσσω, patassō, [pa-TAS-so]
• Detailed pronunciation: pah-TASS-oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Primary verb
• Possibly onomatopoeic origin
• Related to πατέω (to tread)
• May share root with Latin “battuo” (to beat)

D – Defining Meanings

• To strike, smite
• To afflict (divinely)
• To slay, kill
• To wound severely

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a primary verb

Translation Options:

• Strike – Most common usage, emphasizing physical action
• Smite – Traditional translation, especially in divine contexts
• Afflict – When describing supernatural intervention

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τύπτω [typtō, TOOP-toe] – to beat repeatedly
• πλήσσω [plēssō, PLAY-so] – to strike with force
• κρούω [krouō, KROO-oh] – to knock or strike lightly

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb features:

• Present Active Indicative: πατάσσω
• Future: πατάξω
• Aorist: ἐπάταξα
• No perfect form attested

These forms show:

• Regular -ω conjugation
• Strong future form
• First aorist pattern
• Cross-references: πληγή (stroke, wound)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of divine judgment. Thayer’s notes its frequent occurrence in the Septuagint. LSJ traces its development from physical striking to metaphorical usage. Vine’s highlights its theological significance in prophetic contexts. Moulton and Milligan document its use in legal papyri for assault cases.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written, “I will strike [πατάσσω] the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.”‘” (Matthew 26:31)

Additional References:
Acts 7:24, Acts 12:7, Revelation 11:6, Revelation 19:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πατάσσω reveals God’s sovereign power in both judgment and salvation. While it often describes divine judgment, its ultimate theological significance points to Christ, the Shepherd who was struck for our salvation, transforming an act of judgment into the means of redemption.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears over 400 times in the Septuagint
2. It’s used in the famous passage about striking the rock for water (Exodus 17:6)
3. The term influenced early Christian martyrdom accounts

Strong’s G3960: A primary verb meaning to knock, strike, or smite, often with implications of violence or judgment. Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, particularly in reference to divine intervention or punishment. Carries significant theological weight in passages about God’s actions toward humans.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #DivineJudgment #Violence #Prophecy #GoodShepherd #Punishment #DivineIntervention #BiblicalProphecy #Crucifixion #Salvation #Judgment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​