Bible Word Study
παίω
paiō · I strike, smite
παίω
I strike, smite
Definition
The Greek verb παίω means 'to strike' or 'to smite,' conveying a sense of delivering a physical blow. In its New Testament usage, it primarily describes violent human actions, such as striking someone with the hand (Matthew 26:68, Luke 22:64) or with a weapon like a sword (John 18:10, Mark 14:47). In a distinct, metaphorical sense, it is used in Revelation 9:5 to describe the torment of a scorpion's sting, extending the meaning to inflict pain or agony.
Biblical Usage
παίω is used in the Gospels to describe acts of violence during Jesus's arrest and trial, specifically the striking of Jesus by the guards and Peter's attack on Malchus. The single occurrence in Revelation shifts context to describe supernatural torment. It appears only in narrative passages depicting conflict or punishment, never in theological discourse or parables.
Etymology
Derived from the primitive Greek root *pai-, meaning 'to strike.' It is a common verb in classical Greek with the same core meaning. The word does not have a complex derivational history but belongs to a family of words related to physical impact or beating.
Semantic Range
This word is significant in the Passion narratives, highlighting the physical abuse Jesus willingly endured (Matthew 26:68, Luke 22:64). Its use in John 18:10 contrasts Peter's violent, misguided defense with Jesus's submission to the Father's will. In Revelation 9:5, it underscores the severity of divine judgment during the tribulation. Understanding this specific term for 'striking' sharpens the reader's perception of the violence directed at Christ and the nature of eschatological punishment. In the cultural context, striking someone, especially on the head or face as described in the Gospels (Matthew 26:68), was a profound act of disrespect and humiliation, often used to degrade a prisoner or subordinate. The act carried significant social shame beyond mere physical pain. τυπτω (typtō, G5180) — a more general term for beating or striking, often repeatedly; δερω (derō, G1194) — to flay or scourge, implying a severe, lashing blow; κολαφιζω (kolaphizō, G2852) — to strike with the fist, emphasizing a closed-hand punch.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). Concordance and morphology data are derived from the interlinear Bible.
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]