μαστίζω
mastízō
G3147 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To beat or whip with a lash, particularly as a form of punishment or torture; by extension, to inflict physical suffering or chastisement. In specific contexts, may refer to judicial or extrajudicial flogging as a punitive measure, often by order of a governing authority. In both literal and figurative contexts, connotes severe discipline or correction through physical means.
Semantic Range
to whip, to lash, to flog, to scourge (physically), to inflict physical punishment, to subject to physical chastisement, to suffer severe affliction (metaphorically)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the noun μαστίξ (mastíx), meaning 'whip' or 'scourge.' The verb μαστίζω is a denominative formation based on μαστίξ.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, μαστίζω primarily denotes the literal act of whipping or beating with a lash, particularly as punishment. In Hellenistic and Roman-period Greek, including the Koine of the Septuagint and New Testament, the term often occurs in judicial or disciplinary contexts: individuals, particularly non-citizens, slaves, or those under arrest, could be scourged as part of official proceedings. In the Septuagint, μαστίζω frequently translates Hebrew verbs meaning 'to chastise' or 'to discipline,' retaining the sense of inflicting physical suffering. In the New Testament, the term appears both for instrumental punishment by authorities (e.g., Roman flagellation) and as a metaphor for physical chastisement. English translations traditionally render the term as 'scourge' or 'whip,' but may not always convey the institutional and punitive context implied in Greek usage. Related terms include παιδεύω (to discipline, train) when the focus is on correction more generally, but μαστίζω is distinct in emphasizing physical lashing.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μαστός; to whip (literally):--scourge.
Root Family
μαστίζω (mastizō) — to whip, to flog, to lash
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3147-01 |
μαστίζειν | mastizein | V PRS ACT INF |
to scourge | to be flogging | to scourge | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3147-01 |
Acts 22:25 | μαστίζειν | mastizein | V PRS ACT INF |
to scourge | to be flogging | to scourge |