Brief Overview of πλήκτης (Strong’s G4131: plēktēs)

Strong’s G4131: A noun meaning “striker” or “pugnacious person,” from πλήσσω (plēssō), “to strike.” In ancient Greek culture, it described someone prone to physical violence. In New Testament usage, it appears in leadership qualification lists as a negative characteristic disqualifying one from church leadership.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλήκτης represents more than just physical violence—it characterizes someone with an aggressive, contentious disposition. In the New Testament, Paul lists this trait among disqualifications for church leadership, emphasizing that Christian leaders must not be prone to violent or aggressive behavior. Early church fathers understood this term as describing both physical violence and verbal aggression. Today, it continues to challenge church leaders and all believers about controlling aggressive tendencies and maintaining gentleness in leadership.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλήκτης, plēktēs, /PLAYK-tace/
• Detailed pronunciation: PLAYK-tace (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πληκ- (plēk-) meaning “to strike”
• Suffix: -της (-tēs) agent noun ending
• Derived from πλήσσω (plēssō), “to strike”

D – Defining Meanings

• Striker
• Violent person
• Quarrelsome individual

For compound words: Not a compound word, but contains agent suffix -της indicating “one who does”

Translation Options:

• Brawler – Emphasizes physical aggression
• Violent person – More general term
• Pugnacious person – Captures disposition toward conflict

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μάχιμος (machimos) /MACH-ee-mos/ – quarrelsome, emphasizes conflict
  See G3163
• ὀργίλος (orgilos) /or-GEE-los/ – prone to anger
  See G3711

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: First

Examples:
Nominative: πλήκτης
Genitive: πλήκτου
Dative: πλήκτῃ
Accusative: πλήκτην

• Cross-references to verb πλήσσω and related compounds

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to physical violence. Thayer’s notes its broader application to quarrelsome behavior. LSJ documents usage in character descriptions. Vine’s highlights its appearance in leadership qualifications. Strong’s connects it to striking behavior. LEH provides limited Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from character assessments.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” 1 Timothy 3:3

Additional References:
Titus 1:7

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλήκτης challenges us to reflect Christ’s gentleness rather than worldly aggression. The gospel transforms violent tendencies into peaceful leadership, showing that true strength lies in self-control and gentleness. This word reminds us that Christian leadership should reflect Christ’s character, not worldly force.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient Greek courts had special penalties for those labeled as πλήκτης.
2. Early church disciplinary documents frequently referenced this term.
3. The word influenced early Christian discussions about just war theory.

Strong’s G4131: A noun describing a violent or pugnacious person, particularly significant in New Testament lists of leadership disqualifications. Emphasizes the incompatibility of aggressive behavior with Christian leadership and character.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: violence, church leadership, pastoral qualifications, Timothy, Titus, Paul’s epistles, character, gentleness, biblical Greek, self-control, leadership qualities, disqualifications​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​