Whips of Justice: φραγέλλιον (Strong’s G5416: phragellion) in Jesus’ Temple Cleansing

Strong’s G5416: A borrowed word from Latin flagellum, φραγέλλιον refers to a whip or scourge, specifically the type used for punishment or driving animals. This term gained particular significance in Christian tradition through Jesus’ use of it in the Temple cleansing, symbolizing divine authority and righteous action.

U – Unveiling the Word

The φραγέλλιον was a specific type of whip or scourge, borrowed from Latin into Koine Greek. In its New Testament context, it appears uniquely in John’s account of Jesus cleansing the Temple. This implement was typically made of leather thongs or small cords, used primarily for driving animals or as an instrument of punishment. Its appearance in Jesus’ hands during the Temple cleansing carries profound theological significance – demonstrating both His authority over the Temple worship and His commitment to maintaining its sanctity. The early church saw this event as a demonstration of Christ’s divine authority and zeal for proper worship. Today, this term continues to remind believers of the importance of maintaining pure worship and the serious nature of corrupting sacred spaces.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φραγέλλιον, phragellion, frag-EL-lee-on
• Detailed pronunciation: frah-GEL-lee-on (with emphasis on the second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter)

Etymology:

• Borrowed from Latin “flagellum”
• No Greek prefixes or suffixes
• Direct transliteration of the Latin term into Greek characters

D – Defining Meanings

• A whip or scourge
• An implement for driving animals
• A disciplinary instrument

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a borrowed word

Translation Options:

1. “whip” – Most direct and commonly understood translation
2. “scourge” – More formal, emphasizing the implement’s potential for punishment
3. “flail” – Alternative that captures the physical nature of the object

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μάστιξ (mastix, MAS-tiks) – A more severe type of whip or scourge, often implying torture See G3148
• δέρω (dero, DE-ro) – To beat, scourge, or flog See G1194

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a neuter noun:

• Case: Appears in accusative and nominative forms
• Number: Singular and plural forms possible
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second declension

The word would change forms as follows:

• Nominative: φραγέλλιον (phragellion)
• Genitive: φραγελλίου (phragelliou)
• Dative: φραγελλίῳ (phragellio)
• Accusative: φραγέλλιον (phragellion)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide a consistent understanding of φραγέλλιον as a direct borrowing from Latin. BDAG emphasizes its connection to the Temple cleansing narrative, while Thayer’s notes its specific use as an implement for driving animals. LSJ confirms its Latin origin and provides additional context for its use in Koine Greek. Vine’s expands on its practical application, noting its construction from leather thongs or small cords. Strong’s simply defines it as a whip or lash, while Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in contemporary papyri, confirming its meaning as a standard term for a whip in the first century.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
So he made a whip [φραγέλλιον] out of cords and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. John 2:15

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The φραγέλλιον stands as a powerful symbol in the New Testament, appearing at a crucial moment when Jesus demonstrates His authority over the Temple worship. This Latin loanword into Greek specifically describes the implement Jesus fashioned to drive out those who had turned the Temple into a marketplace. The good news here is profound: Jesus cares deeply about pure worship and has the authority to cleanse not just the physical Temple, but also our hearts. His action with the φραγέλλιον demonstrates both His divine authority and His passionate commitment to maintaining the sanctity of worship.

D – Did You Know?

1. The φραγέλλιον is one of the few Latin loanwords in the New Testament, showing the Roman influence on Koine Greek
2. The specific mention of Jesus making the whip “out of cords” suggests a deliberate, planned action rather than an impulsive response
3. This term appears only once in the entire New Testament, exclusively in John’s account of the Temple cleansing

Strong’s G5416: A borrowed word from Latin flagellum, φραγέλλιον refers to a whip or scourge, specifically the type used for punishment or driving animals. This term gained particular significance in Christian tradition through Jesus’ use of it in the Temple cleansing, symbolizing divine authority and righteous action.

Part of speech: Noun (Neuter)

Tags: temple cleansing, worship, authority, discipline, Jesus, whip, scourge, temple, Latin loanword, John’s Gospel, divine authority​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​