τραυματίζω

I wound

Definition

The verb τραυματίζω means 'to wound' or 'to inflict a physical injury.' In its two New Testament occurrences, it consistently refers to causing bodily harm through violence. In Luke 20:12, it describes the treatment of a servant in the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, who was beaten and 'wounded.' In Acts 19:16, it describes the physical overpowering of the seven sons of Sceva by a demon-possessed man, who 'wounded' them. The word implies a serious, damaging injury, not a minor scratch.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in narrative contexts describing violent assaults. In Luke 20:12, it is part of Jesus' parable, illustrating the escalating violence against the landowner's messengers. In Acts 19:16, it describes a supernatural physical attack, highlighting the defeat and danger faced by those who misuse the name of Jesus. The usage is literal and dramatic, emphasizing severe physical harm.

Etymology

Derived from the noun τραῦμα (trauma, G5134), which means 'a wound' or 'an injury.' The verb form τραυματίζω literally means 'to inflict a τραῦμα.' This root connection emphasizes the result of the action—creating a wound. The English word 'trauma' is a direct cognate, though its modern psychological sense is a later development.

Semantic Range

While not a central theological term, its use is significant in contrasting human and spiritual power. In Luke 20:12, it illustrates human rebellion and violence against God's messengers, foreshadowing Jesus' own suffering. In Acts 19:16, it demonstrates the real danger and authority in the spiritual realm, showing that invoking Jesus' name without genuine faith and authority is futile and perilous. It underscores themes of persecution, spiritual conflict, and the seriousness of engaging with divine power.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, wounding was a common reality in contexts of conflict, punishment, and brigandage. The severity implied by τραυματίζω would resonate with an audience familiar with physical violence as a tool of social control or a hazard of travel. The act in Acts 19:16 also touches on cultural beliefs about magic and spiritual forces, where such a violent expulsion of fraudulent exorcists would be seen as a powerful sign of a deity's displeasure or superior strength.

πατάσσω (patassō, G3960) — to strike or smite, a broader term for hitting that may or may not cause a wound; τύπτω (typtō, G5180) — to beat or strike repeatedly, often in punishment; πληγή (plēgē, G4127) — a blow or wound (noun), often used for the plagues or stripes.

Word Details

Scripture References