Brief Overview of ῥαπίζω (Strong’s G4474: rhapizō)

Strong’s G4474: A verb meaning “to strike with the palm of the hand” or “to slap,” particularly on the face. Used in contexts of personal insult and humiliation. In New Testament usage, appears in Jesus’s teaching about non-retaliation and in accounts of His passion.

U- Unveiling the Word

ῥαπίζω represents a particularly personal form of assault – striking someone on the face with an open hand. This act carried strong cultural implications of insult and humiliation beyond physical pain. In New Testament usage, it appears both in Jesus’s teaching about turning the other cheek and in descriptions of His suffering. The word carries deep theological significance in understanding Christ’s non-violent response to persecution and His example of enduring humiliation. Early church fathers saw in this word both a literal call to non-violence and a spiritual principle of responding to persecution with love.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ῥαπίζω, rhapizō, /raˈpizo/
• Pronunciation Guide: “rah-PEE-zoh” (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: ῥαπίς (rhapis) meaning “rod” or “stick”
• Suffix: -ίζω (-izō) forming verbs
• Later developed specific meaning of striking with palm

D – Defining Meanings

• To slap with open hand
• To strike on the face
• To deliver an insulting blow
• To humiliate through striking

Translation Options:

• To slap – Most precise translation
• To strike – More general term
• To smite – Traditional rendering

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κολαφίζω (kolaphizō) /kolaˈfizo/ – to punch – See G2852
• τύπτω (tuptō) /ˈtypto/ – to strike, beat – See G5180
• δέρω (derō) /ˈdero/ – to beat, scourge – See G1194

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features (Verb):

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

Examples:

• Present Active: ῥαπίζω (I slap)
• Aorist Passive: ἐρραπίσθην (I was slapped)
• Future: ῥαπίσω (I will slap)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its specific meaning of face-slapping. Thayer’s notes its insulting nature. LSJ provides examples of both literal and metaphorical usage. Vine’s highlights its connection to personal affront. Strong’s connects it to disciplinary action. LEH traces its development from rod-striking to palm-striking. Moulton and Milligan show its use in describing personal assaults.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“But whoever [ῥαπίζει] slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matthew 5:39

Additional References:
Matthew 26:67

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ῥαπίζω powerfully illustrates Christ’s teaching on non-retaliation and His own example of enduring suffering. It proclaims the good news by showing how Jesus both taught and demonstrated a revolutionary response to personal insult and violence. This word challenges us to follow Christ’s example of overcoming evil with good.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term evolved from describing rod-strikes to specifically face-slaps.
2. In ancient courts, it represented a serious charge of personal assault.
3. Early Christian martyrdom accounts often used this word to describe persecution.

Strong’s G4474: A verb denoting a personally insulting blow to the face. Used in contexts of both Jesus’s teaching about non-retaliation and descriptions of His passion. Carries strong connotations of personal affront and humiliation beyond physical violence.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: slap, strike, insult, persecution, non-retaliation, suffering, humiliation, violence, passion narrative, turning cheek, endurance, martyrdom​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​