Brutal Justice: φραγελλόω (Strong’s G5417: phragelloō) Reveals Roman Cruelty

Strong’s G5417: A Hellenized Latin loan word derived from ‘flagellum’, meaning to scourge or flog with a whip. This brutal form of Roman punishment involved leather strips with metal or bone pieces, causing severe trauma. Used specifically in judicial contexts for severe punishment.

U – Unveiling the Word

Φραγελλόω represents one of the most brutal aspects of Roman judicial punishment. The word specifically refers to flogging with a flagellum, a particularly cruel whip designed with multiple leather thongs embedded with pieces of bone or metal. This punishment was so severe that it often resulted in death or permanent disfigurement. In the New Testament, this term carries profound theological significance, particularly in relation to Christ’s passion. The use of this specific term emphasizes the intensity of Christ’s suffering and the physical reality of His sacrifice. Early church fathers frequently referenced this word when discussing the extent of Christ’s physical suffering, and it remains a powerful reminder today of the cost of our redemption.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φραγελλόω, phragelloō, frag-el-lo’-o
• Pronunciation: FRAG-el-LO-oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From Latin ‘flagellum’
• Hellenized form of the Latin verb ‘flagello’
• -όω suffix indicates making or causing something

D – Defining Meanings

• To scourge or flog with a whip (flagellum)
• To inflict severe physical punishment
• To subject to judicial flogging

Translation Options:

• “to scourge” – Most precise translation capturing the specific nature of the punishment
• “to flog” – More general but still conveys severity
• “to whip” – Common but loses some technical specificity

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μαστιγόω (mastigoō) /mas-tig-o’-o/ – General term for whipping or scourging See G3146
• δέρω (derō) /der’-o/ – To beat, strike, or flay See G1194
• τύπτω (typtō) /toop’-to/ – To strike or smite See G5180

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Progressive

The word follows regular -όω verb patterns:

• Present: φραγελλόω
• Future: φραγελλώσω
• Aorist: ἐφραγέλλωσα

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons uniformly emphasize φραγελλόω’s specific connection to Roman judicial punishment. BDAG particularly notes its distinction from general terms for beating, highlighting its technical nature as a Latinism. Thayer’s emphasizes its connection to capital punishment procedures, while LSJ provides evidence of its usage in Hellenistic legal documents. Vine’s notes its limited New Testament usage, appearing only in contexts related to Christ’s passion. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence showing its technical legal usage in Roman Egypt, confirming its specific judicial context rather than general corporal punishment.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

Then when he had scourged [φραγελλώσας] Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Matthew 27:26

Additional References:
Mark 15:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Φραγελλόω stands as a stark reminder of the brutality of Roman justice and the depth of Christ’s suffering. This technical term, borrowed from Latin into Greek, specifically denotes a form of judicial punishment that was among the most severe in the ancient world. In the context of the Gospel narrative, it represents a crucial moment in salvation history where Christ endured extreme physical suffering as part of His redemptive work. The precise nature of this word helps us understand both the historical reality of Roman crucifixion practices and the extent of Christ’s sacrifice for humanity’s salvation.

D – Did You Know?

• The flagellum used in φραγελλόω was so severe that Roman law required a physician to be present during the punishment
• The term appears in Roman military documents as a punishment reserved for the most serious offenses
• The specific design of the flagellum was meant to strip flesh from bone, making it distinct from other forms of whipping

Strong’s G5417: A Hellenized Latin loan word derived from ‘flagellum’, meaning to scourge or flog with a whip. This brutal form of Roman punishment involved leather strips with metal or bone pieces, causing severe trauma. Used specifically in judicial contexts for severe punishment.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: punishment, crucifixion, passion, Roman justice, suffering, judicial punishment, Latin loanword, scourging, flogging, Christ’s passion