πλήσσω

I strike, smite

Definition

The verb πλήσσω means to strike or smite, often with a sense of forceful impact or infliction of a blow. In its single New Testament occurrence at Revelation 8:12, it describes a celestial body being 'struck,' resulting in darkness—a usage conveying a divine, judicial act of impairment. In broader Greek literature, the term can denote physical striking, such as in battle or punishment, as well as metaphorical striking, like being struck by emotion or misfortune. While the New Testament uses it only for a literal cosmic event, the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) employs it in varied contexts, such as the striking of the Nile with plagues (Exodus 7:17, 25) or individuals being smitten in conflict.

Biblical Usage

πλήσσω is used only once in the New Testament, in Revelation 8:12, where it describes the third angel sounding his trumpet and a third of the sun, moon, and stars being 'struck' so that a third of their light is darkened. This singular usage is in an apocalyptic context, depicting a divinely orchestrated celestial judgment as part of the trumpet plagues. The verb emphasizes a direct, impactful action from God that alters creation, fitting the theme of judicial intervention in Revelation.

Etymology

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *pleh₂k- ('to strike'), πλήσσω is a primary verb in Greek. It is cognate with words like πληγή (plēgē, G4147) meaning 'a blow' or 'wound,' and πλήγμα (plēgma) meaning 'something struck.' The verb's meaning has remained relatively stable, centered on the idea of striking or hitting, though it can extend to causing affliction or damage, as seen in its metaphorical uses in classical Greek.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, πλήσσω in Revelation 8:12 carries theological weight in eschatology, illustrating God's sovereign power to disrupt the natural order as an act of judgment. This striking of heavenly bodies echoes Old Testament motifs of cosmological signs (e.g., Isaiah 13:10, Joel 2:31) that accompany divine intervention. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the intentional, forceful nature of God's actions in the apocalyptic narrative, underscoring themes of creation's fragility under judgment and the certainty of God's prophetic word.

In ancient Greek culture, πλήσσω was a common term for physical striking, such as in warfare, discipline, or accidents, and could also describe being 'struck' by emotions like grief or awe. The New Testament's use aligns with this literal sense but elevates it to a cosmic scale, reflecting Jewish apocalyptic literature where celestial disturbances signify God's direct involvement in history. This cultural backdrop helps modern readers grasp the severity and supernatural dimension of the event in Revelation.

τύπτω (typtō, G5180) — often a more general term for beating or striking, sometimes with repetitive action; πατάσσω (patassō, G3960) — frequently used in the Septuagint for striking in contexts of plague or divine judgment, overlapping in meaning but more common in biblical Greek.

Word Details

Scripture References