κολάζω
I chastise, punish
Definition
The verb κολάζω primarily means to punish, chastise, or restrain. In the New Testament, it carries the sense of judicial punishment, often implying a penalty inflicted by an authority. In Acts 4:21, it describes the Jewish leaders' inability to 'punish' Peter and John, reflecting a legal or official penalty. In 2 Peter 2:9, the word is used of God's action to 'keep the unrighteous under punishment' until the day of judgment, emphasizing a state of divine, retributive justice.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in the context of judicial or divine punishment. In Acts 4:21, it refers to human authorities (the Sanhedrin) finding no grounds to legally punish the apostles. In 2 Peter 2:9, it describes God's sovereign action in reserving the wicked for future, eschatological punishment. The usage pattern shows a shift from human judicial restraint to ultimate divine retribution.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek root κολός, meaning 'docked' or 'pruned,' the verb κολάζω originally carried the sense of 'to curtail' or 'to check.' This developed into the broader meanings of 'to chastise' and 'to punish,' focusing on the idea of imposing a penalty to restrain or correct wrongdoing.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it directly relates to God's justice and the doctrine of judgment. In 2 Peter 2:9, it underscores that God is actively involved in holding the wicked accountable, not merely a passive observer. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the certainty and active nature of divine punishment for sin, which stands in contrast to temporary human penalties (Acts 4:21).
In the Greco-Roman world, κολάζω was a common term for punishment within legal and domestic spheres, used for penalties ranging from fines to physical chastisement. The New Testament usage taps into this understanding but elevates it by applying it to God's ultimate, righteous judgment, which transcends all human judicial systems.
τιμωρέω (timōreō, G5097) — emphasizes vengeance or retributive punishment. παιδεύω (paideuō, G3811) — focuses on correction, training, or discipline, often with an educational or nurturing intent.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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