πατάσσω

I strike

Definition

The verb πατάσσω means to strike or hit, often with force or violence. In the New Testament, it primarily describes physical striking, such as Peter cutting off the ear of the high priest's servant (Luke 22:50) or Moses striking down an Egyptian (Acts 7:24). It can also denote a fatal blow, as when an angel strikes Herod Agrippa I, causing his death (Acts 12:23). Additionally, it is used metaphorically in prophetic quotations, as when Jesus quotes Zechariah about the shepherd being struck and the sheep scattered (Matthew 26:31, Mark 14:27).

Biblical Usage

πατάσσω appears 10 times in the New Testament, mainly in narrative contexts in the Gospels and Acts. It is used for sudden, violent actions, often in conflict or divine judgment. In the Gospels, it describes the disciples' attempt to defend Jesus (Luke 22:49-50) and fulfills prophecy about Jesus' arrest. In Acts, it depicts both human violence (Acts 7:24) and divine intervention, such as the angel freeing Peter by striking him (Acts 12:7) and God striking Herod (Acts 12:23). The usage consistently conveys impactful striking, whether physical or metaphorical.

Etymology

πατάσσω is a native Greek verb, derived from the root *pat-, related to striking or beating. It is cognate with other Greek words like πατάγη (patagē, 'clap' or 'crash'), emphasizing sound or impact. The word's meaning remained relatively stable in Greek literature, typically referring to hitting or smiting, and it carries this straightforward sense into the New Testament without significant semantic shift.

Semantic Range

πατάσσω is theologically significant as it appears in key moments of divine judgment and fulfillment of prophecy. In Acts 12:23, it describes God's direct judgment on Herod for accepting blasphemous praise, highlighting God's sovereignty over rulers. In the Gospels, its use in Jesus' quotation of Zechariah 13:7 (Matthew 26:31) connects his arrest to Old Testament prophecy about the stricken shepherd, enriching our understanding of Jesus as the suffering Messiah. Recognizing this Greek term helps readers see the continuity between human violence and divine purpose in salvation history.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, striking someone could signify conflict, punishment, or military action. The term's use in Acts 7:24 reflects Moses' violent defense as an Egyptian-educated leader, a culturally understandable act of justice. In Acts 12:23, Herod's being struck by an angel aligns with ancient beliefs in divine retribution for hubris, similar to stories in Greek or Jewish traditions where gods punish arrogance. This cultural backdrop emphasizes the perceived immediacy of divine intervention in human affairs.

τυπτω (typtō, G5180) — a more general term for beating or striking, often repeatedly or in punishment; παιω (paiō, G3817) — to strike or hit, sometimes with a weapon, used less frequently; πλησσω (plēssō, G4141) — to strike or smite, often with a sense of affliction or plague.

Word Details

Scripture References