μαστιγόω (G3146) — Greek Lexicon

μαστιγόω

mastigóō

G3146 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To whip, flog, or scourge with a lash or whip (literally), especially as a form of punishment; more broadly, to subject someone to severe discipline or suffering, whether physical or metaphorical (e.g., to afflict with torments or troubles). The primary sense involves inflicting punishment by whipping, but the verb can also be used figuratively for causing suffering or distress.

Semantic Range

to punish by whipping with a lash or scourge, to flog as a judicial penalty, to inflict suffering or pain (literal or metaphorical), to torment, to discipline with corporal punishment

Root / Etymology

Derived from μάστιξ (mastix), meaning 'whip', 'scourge', or 'lash', with the causative verbal ending -όω, indicating 'to act with a mastix' or 'to apply a scourge'. The word is formed directly from the noun root.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, μαστιγόω referred to punishing someone with a whip or lash, a common judicial practice. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, it retained this literal sense, often in legal or penal contexts (such as Roman or local authorities carrying out corporal punishment). Occasionally used metaphorically, as in experiencing great suffering or affliction. In the New Testament, it typically refers to an official act of punishment or interrogation (e.g., by Roman soldiers). Standard English translations ('scourge', 'flog', 'whip') generally capture the primary, literal meaning, but may not reflect metaphorical or extended senses. The verb contrasts with related terms such as δέρω (to beat or strike), which lacks the specialized sense of whipping with a lash.

Translation Consistency

primary "whip" 1 occurrence

“Whip” is the most natural, widely understood verb that captures the primary sense of μαστιγόω — to lash or inflict punishment with a whip — while also covering figurative uses (to cause severe suffering or torment). It’s plain English, fits the typical biblical context, and will render consistently across literal and metaphorical occurrences.

Alternatives (6 occurrences):

"flog" (4x) "having flogged" (1x) "scourged" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from μάστιξ; to flog (literally or figuratively):--scourge.

Root Family

μαστιγόω (mastigoō) — to whip, to flog, to scourge

Root μαστιγ- to whip, to flog, to scourge

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3146-06`	μαστιγώσουσιν	mastigosousin	`V FUT ACT IND 3P PL`	they will flog	they will flog	they will flog	2
`G3146-05`	μαστιγώσετε	mastigosete	`V FUT ACT IND 2P PL`	scourge	you will flog	you will flog	1
`G3146-04`	μαστιγώσαντες	mastigosantes	`V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL`	having scourged	having flogged	having flogged	1
`G3146-02`	μαστιγοῖ	mastigoi	`V PRS ACT IND 3P SG`	scourges	whips	whips	1
`G3146-01`	ἐμαστίγωσεν	emastigosen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	scourged	he flogged	he scourged	1
`G3146-03`	μαστιγῶσαι	mastigosai	`V AOR ACT INF`	scourge	to flog	to flog	1

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3146-06`	Matthew 10:17	μαστιγώσουσιν	mastigosousin	`V FUT ACT IND 3P PL`	they will flog	they will flog	they will flog
`G3146-03`	Matthew 20:19	μαστιγῶσαι	mastigosai	`V AOR ACT INF`	scourge	to flog	to flog
`G3146-05`	Matthew 23:34	μαστιγώσετε	mastigosete	`V FUT ACT IND 2P PL`	scourge	you will flog	you will flog
`G3146-06`	Mark 10:34	μαστιγώσουσιν	mastigosousin	`V FUT ACT IND 3P PL`	they will scourge him	they will flog	they will flog
`G3146-04`	Luke 18:33	μαστιγώσαντες	mastigosantes	`V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL`	having scourged	having flogged	having flogged
`G3146-01`	John 19:1	ἐμαστίγωσεν	emastigosen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	scourged	he flogged	he scourged
`G3146-02`	Hebrews 12:6	μαστιγοῖ	mastigoi	`V PRS ACT IND 3P SG`	scourges	whips	whips

← G3145 Greek Lexicon G3147 →