Divine Exposure: τραχηλίζω (Strong’s G5136: trachelizo) Reveals Complete Accountability

Strong’s G5136: A verb derived from trachelos (neck), meaning “to lay bare the neck” or “expose completely.” Used metaphorically in Hebrews to describe complete exposure before God, emphasizing His perfect knowledge of our thoughts and actions.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τραχηλίζω (trachelizo) carries profound theological significance through its vivid imagery. Originally referring to the act of bending back an animal’s neck for sacrifice or exposing a gladiator’s neck in defeat, it evolved to metaphorically represent complete exposure or vulnerability. In the New Testament, it appears uniquely in Hebrews to describe humanity’s complete exposure before God. The early church fathers frequently used this word to emphasize divine omniscience and human accountability. Today, τραχηλίζω continues to remind believers that nothing is hidden from God’s sight, encouraging honest self-examination and transparent relationship with Him.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τραχηλίζω, trachelizo, tra-kay-LEE-zo
• Detailed pronunciation: τρα (tra) + χη (kay) + λί (LEE) + ζω (zo)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: τράχηλος (trachelos) meaning “neck”
• Suffix: -ίζω (-izo) indicating causative action
• Combined meaning: “to expose the neck”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “to lay bare the neck”
• To expose completely
• To make manifest
• To render vulnerable

For compound words: The word combines trachelos (neck) with the causative suffix -izo to create the action of exposing or laying bare

Translation Options:

1. “to lay bare” – Most literal translation preserving original imagery
2. “to expose completely” – Broader metaphorical meaning
3. “to make manifest” – Theological application

E – Exploring Similar Words

φανερόω (phaneroo) [fan-er-OH-o] – to make manifest – See G5319
ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalupto) [ah-po-ka-LOOP-to] – to uncover, reveal – See G601
γυμνός (gumnos) [goom-NOS] – naked, bare – See G1131

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Tense: Present (continuous action)
• Voice: Active/Passive
• Mood: Indicative/Subjunctive/Imperative
• Person: First/Second/Third
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective

The verb changes form based on usage:

• Present passive participle: τραχηλιζόμενα (being laid bare)
• Perfect passive: τετραχήλισμαι (have been laid bare)
• Aorist active: ἐτραχήλισα (laid bare)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide rich insight into τραχηλίζω’s development and significance. BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical use in expressing complete exposure before God. Thayer’s lexicon traces its etymology from the physical act of exposing an animal’s neck to its spiritual application. LSJ documents its use in classical contexts, particularly in sacrificial and gladiatorial settings. Vine’s expands on its theological significance in Hebrews. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts in everyday Greek.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare [τετραχηλισμένα] to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of τραχηλίζω in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τραχηλίζω powerfully illustrates our complete exposure before God’s all-seeing presence. Through its vivid imagery of laying bare the neck, it reminds us that nothing can be hidden from our Creator. This sobering truth, however, leads us to the good news of the Messiah, who faced complete exposure to judgment on our behalf. Through Him, we can approach God’s throne with confidence, not in fear of exposure but in the joy of transparent relationship with our loving Father.

D – Did You Know?

1. τραχηλίζω was a technical term in ancient sacrifice and gladiatorial combat
2. It appears only once in the New Testament but became important in early Christian theology
3. The word’s imagery influenced early Christian discussions of martyrdom

Strong’s G5136: A verb derived from trachelos (neck), meaning “to lay bare the neck” or “expose completely.” Used metaphorically in Hebrews to describe complete exposure before God, emphasizing His perfect knowledge of our thoughts and actions.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: exposure, accountability, omniscience, judgment, transparency, sacrifice, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, divine knowledge, vulnerability, confession​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​