Redemptive Suffering: τραυματίζω (Strong’s G5135: traumatizo) Reveals Messiah’s Victory

Strong’s G5135: A verb meaning “to wound” or “to injure,” traumatizo appears in contexts of persecution and suffering. In the New Testament, it illustrates both human violence and divine purpose, particularly in parables about rejection of God’s messengers.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τραυματίζω (traumatizo) serves as a powerful verb describing the act of wounding or inflicting injury. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts where God’s servants face opposition and persecution. The word carries particular significance in the parable of the wicked tenants, where it represents the repeated rejection of God’s messengers. Early church fathers used τραυματίζω when discussing martyrdom and suffering for the faith, seeing in such wounds a participation in the Messiah’s sufferings. Today, this word continues to speak to believers about persecution, suffering for righteousness, and God’s ultimate victory over evil.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τραυματίζω, traumatizo, trow-mah-TEE-zo
• Detailed pronunciation: τραυ (trow) + μα (mah) + τί (TEE) + ζω (zo)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: τραῦμα (trauma) meaning “wound”
• Suffix: -ίζω (-izo) indicating causative action
• Combined meaning: “to cause a wound”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “to wound”
• To inflict injury
• To harm physically
• To cause trauma

For compound words: The word combines the noun trauma with the causative suffix -izo to create the action of causing wounds

Translation Options:

1. “to wound” – Most literal physical meaning
2. “to injure” – Broader term for causing harm
3. “to traumatize” – Modern derivative meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

πλήσσω (plesso) [PLACE-so] – to strike or smite – See G4141
τύπτω (tupto) [TOOP-to] – to strike repeatedly – See G5180
μαστιγόω (mastigoo) [mas-tee-GO-o] – to scourge – See G3146

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 active: τραυματίζω (I wound)
• Future: τραυματίσω (I will wound)
• Aorist: ἐτραυμάτισα (I wounded)
• Perfect: τετραυμάτικα (I have wounded)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Examining τραυματίζω across major lexicons reveals its significant role in describing physical and spiritual wounds. BDAG emphasizes its primary meaning of inflicting physical injury. Thayer’s lexicon traces its development from the noun τραῦμα and its use in violent contexts. LSJ documents its extensive use in medical and military literature. Vine’s expands on its significance in the parables, particularly regarding the rejection of God’s messengers. 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 legal documents describing assault and injury.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“He sent still a third, and they wounded [τραυματίσαντες] him and threw him out.” Luke 20:12

Additional References:
Acts 19:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τραυματίζω powerfully illustrates the cost of faithful service to God and the reality of suffering in the believer’s life. Though it describes physical wounding, it points to deeper spiritual truths about persecution and redemptive suffering. This word reminds us that just as the prophets were wounded for their faithfulness, and just as our Lord was wounded for our transgressions, His followers may also face persecution. Yet through the Messiah’s wounds we are healed, and His victory transforms our suffering into glory.

D – Did You Know?

1. τραυματίζω is the verbal form that gave rise to our word “traumatize”
2. It was a technical term in ancient medical writings
3. Early Christians used it to describe martyrdom experiences

Strong’s G5135: A verb meaning “to wound” or “to injure,” traumatizo appears in contexts of persecution and suffering. In the New Testament, it illustrates both human violence and divine purpose, particularly in parables about rejection of God’s messengers.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: wound, injury, persecution, suffering, violence, parables, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, martyrdom, rejection, healing​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​