Divine Justice: τράχηλος (Strong’s G5137: trachelos) Warns Against Harming Faith

Strong’s G5137: A masculine noun meaning “neck,” trachelos appears in both literal and metaphorical contexts in the New Testament. It often symbolizes vulnerability, judgment, or emotional expression, particularly in contexts of divine warning and familial reconciliation.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τράχηλος (trachelos) carries both literal and rich metaphorical significance in the New Testament. As the physical neck, it represents a vital and vulnerable part of the body. In theological contexts, it appears in warnings about judgment (millstone around the neck), expressions of intimate familial love (falling on someone’s neck in embrace), and submission to authority. The early church fathers used τράχηλος metaphorically when discussing martyrdom, divine judgment, and reconciliation. Today, this word continues to convey powerful messages about accountability, vulnerability, and restoration in God’s kingdom.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τράχηλος, trachelos, TRAH-kay-los
• Detailed pronunciation: τρά (TRAH) + χη (kay) + λος (los)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root word: τράχω (tracho) meaning “rough”
• Suffix: -ηλος (-elos) forming noun
• Basic meaning: “rough part” (referring to vertebrae)

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “neck”
• Vulnerable body part
• Symbol of judgment
• Point of embrace

For compound words: Not applicable as τράχηλος is a simple noun

Translation Options:

1. “neck” – Most literal anatomical meaning
2. “throat” – Alternative anatomical reference
3. “vulnerability” – Metaphorical application

E – Exploring Similar Words

αὐχήν (auchen) [ow-KANE] – neck, more poetic usage – See G839
λαιμός (laimos) [lay-MOS] – throat – See G2995
δέρη (dere) [DEH-ray] – neck, less common – See G1191

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Greek nouns change form based on their function:

• Nominative: τράχηλος (subject)
• Genitive: τραχήλου (possession)
• Dative: τραχήλῳ (indirect object)
• Accusative: τράχηλον (direct object)
• Plural forms add appropriate endings

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into τράχηλος’s usage and significance. BDAG emphasizes both its literal anatomical meaning and metaphorical applications in judgment and reconciliation contexts. Thayer’s lexicon traces its etymology from the concept of “roughness” (vertebrae). LSJ documents its extensive use in classical literature, both literally and figuratively. Vine’s expands on its theological significance, particularly in passages about judgment and familial love. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its common usage in both medical and metaphorical contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck [τράχηλον] and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matthew 18:6

Additional References:
Mark 9:42, Luke 15:20, Luke 17:2, Acts 15:10, Acts 20:37

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Homer: Iliad	“The spear pierced through his neck [τράχηλος] in battle.”
Hippocrates: On Joints	“The bones of the neck [τράχηλος] must be properly aligned.”
Xenophon: Cyropaedia	“He wore a gold chain around his neck [τράχηλος] as a symbol of honor.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τράχηλος powerfully illustrates both divine judgment and divine love in Scripture. In warnings about causing others to stumble, it emphasizes the severity of leading others astray. Yet in the prodigal son story, it becomes a point of reconciliation as the father falls on his son’s neck in embrace. This dual usage reminds us that while God takes sin seriously, especially against His little ones, His heart is always open to welcome repentant sinners home. Through τράχηλος, we see both God’s justice and His mercy.

D – Did You Know?

1. τράχηλος gave rise to medical terms like “trachea”
2. It appears in both the most severe warning (millstone) and tenderest reconciliation (prodigal son) in the Gospels
3. Early Christians used it symbolically in discussions of martyrdom

Strong’s G5137: A masculine noun meaning “neck,” trachelos appears in both literal and metaphorical contexts in the New Testament. It often symbolizes vulnerability, judgment, or emotional expression, particularly in contexts of divine warning and familial reconciliation.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: neck, judgment, reconciliation, vulnerability, warning, embrace, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, anatomy, metaphor, prodigal son​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​