λιθοβολέω

I stone, cast stones at

Definition

The verb λιθοβολέω means 'to stone' or 'to throw stones at someone,' specifically referring to the act of pelting a person with stones, often as a form of capital punishment. In the New Testament, it primarily denotes execution by stoning, as seen in John 8:5, where the scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery, stating that the Law of Moses commands such a penalty. It can also describe violent mob attacks intended to kill, as in Acts 7:58-59 with the stoning of Stephen, and Acts 14:5 where an attempt is made to stone Paul and Barnabas. Additionally, in a metaphorical sense, Jesus uses it to describe Jerusalem's rejection and persecution of the prophets sent to her (Matthew 23:37, Luke 13:34), extending the meaning to violent opposition.

Biblical Usage

λιθοβολέω is used nine times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels, Acts, and once in a parable. It consistently describes violent, often lethal, actions. In the Gospels, Jesus employs it metaphorically to lament Jerusalem's history of killing prophets (Matthew 23:37, Luke 13:34) and literally in the parable of the wicked tenants (Matthew 21:35, Mark 12:4). In John 8:5, it is used in a legal context regarding the Mosaic law. The book of Acts contains the most frequent and literal uses, detailing the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58-59) and attempted stonings of apostles (Acts 14:5), highlighting persecution of early Christians.

Etymology

The word λιθοβολέω is a compound verb derived from λίθος (lithos, G3037), meaning 'stone,' and βάλλω (ballō, G906), meaning 'to throw' or 'to cast.' Thus, it literally means 'to throw stones.' This straightforward construction directly reflects its physical action. Cognates include λιθάζω (lithazō, G3034), another verb for stoning, and the noun λίθος.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects directly to themes of persecution, judgment, and prophetic rejection. The stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58-59) is a pivotal event, linking the fate of Christian witnesses to the prophets of old whom Jesus said were also stoned (Matthew 23:37). It underscores the cost of discipleship and the violent opposition faced by God's messengers. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the severity of the persecution described and the fulfillment of Jesus' warnings about rejection, emphasizing the continuity between the suffering of the prophets, Christ, and the early church.

In the first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman world, stoning was a recognized form of capital punishment for certain offenses under Jewish law (e.g., adultery, blasphemy as in Leviticus 20:10, 24:16). It was often a communal act, involving the witnesses and the people, which carried connotations of corporate judgment and purification. The cultural understanding differs from most modern contexts where such execution methods are not practiced. The action was not merely random violence but a specific judicial or mob penalty, adding gravity to its biblical usage.

λιθάζω (lithazō, G3034) — A near synonym also meaning 'to stone,' used in similar contexts (e.g., John 10:31-33).

Word Details

Scripture References