λακτίζω

I kick

Definition

The verb λακτίζω means 'to kick' or 'to strike with the heel.' In its literal sense, it describes the physical action of kicking, as with an animal. This literal meaning is vividly used in Acts 26:14, where Jesus tells Paul it is 'hard for you to kick against the goads,' a proverbial expression. In its only other New Testament occurrence (Acts 9:5, in a parallel account), the same expression is used, reinforcing this single, consistent meaning of forceful resistance.

Biblical Usage

Λακτίζω is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in the Book of Acts (Acts 9:5 and 26:14) within the narrative of Paul's conversion. In both instances, it appears in the identical Greek phrase 'to kick against the goads' (πρὸς κέντρα λακτίζειν). This establishes its sole biblical usage within a specific idiomatic expression describing futile and painful resistance to a divine calling or providential direction.

Etymology

Derived from the noun λάξ (lax), meaning 'with the foot' or 'with the heel.' It is related to the Greek word for 'foot' or 'leg' (πους, pous). The verb formation clearly denotes an action performed with the foot. This root connection emphasizes the physicality of the action, which then lends itself to metaphorical use for stubborn opposition.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the human tendency to resist God's will. The phrase 'kick against the goads' paints a powerful picture of divine sovereignty and human rebellion. Understanding this Greek idiom enriches the reading of Paul's conversion by highlighting that his persecution of the church was an act of fighting against God's own prompting, making his subsequent surrender to Christ's lordship all the more dramatic and instructive about grace and calling.

The imagery comes from agricultural practice. A 'goad' was a sharp stick used to prod oxen while plowing. If an ox kicked back against the goad, it would only drive the point deeper into its own flesh, causing itself greater pain. This was a well-known proverb in the ancient Greco-Roman world (found also in Greek tragedy) for the futility and self-injury of resisting a superior force or divine will. The modern reader might miss this vivid cultural metaphor without explanation.

τυπτω (typtō, G5180) — a more general word meaning 'to strike' or 'beat,' not specifically with the foot. πατασσω (patassō, G3960) — often means 'to strike' or 'smite,' sometimes with a fatal connotation, but not limited to kicking.

Word Details

Scripture References