τιμωρέω
timōréō
G5097 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To take vengeance on, to avenge, to punish (with a focus on vindicating or inflicting penalty in response to wrongdoing). The primary sense is to exact retributive justice, usually in the form of punishment for offense or injury, especially on behalf of oneself or another party.
Semantic Range
to take vengeance on, to inflict retribution, to punish (in response to wrongdoing), to defend or vindicate honor, to exact a penalty
Root / Etymology
From τιμή (honor) and a derivative of οὖρος (keeper, guardian); literally, 'one who guards honor,' hence, by extension, one who avenges or exacts retribution for a slight or injury. The verb τιμωρέω develops from the related noun τιμωρός (avenger, punisher).
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, τιμωρέω is attested as early as Herodotus and plays occur in contexts of divine or human retribution—someone exacting vengeance or defending the honor/rights of an individual, family, or even polis. The action generally implies a just or fitting recompense, not arbitrary violence, distinguishing it from ἀδικέω (to commit injustice) or ἐκδικέω (to avenge more formally or judicially). In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, including the Septuagint and New Testament, τιμωρέω continues to mean 'to punish' or 'to exact vengeance,' but often maintains an emphasis on restoring honor or justice following a transgression. In the New Testament, the term is rare, but where it occurs, it refers to punitive action justified by the nature of the offense. English versions often translate as 'punish' or 'avenge,' but 'punish' may not fully convey the underlying connection to honor and justice.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a comparative of τιμή and ouros (a guard); properly, to protect one's honor, i.e. to avenge (inflict a penalty):--punish.
Root Family
τιμωρέω (timōreō) — to avenge, to punish, to vindicate honor
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5097-02 |
τιμωρῶν | timoron | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
punishing | avenging | punishing | 1 |
G5097-01 |
τιμωρηθῶσιν | timorethosin | V AOR PASS SUBJ 3P PL |
they might be punished | they might be subjected to retribution | they might be punished | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5097-01 |
Acts 22:5 | τιμωρηθῶσιν | timorethosin | V AOR PASS SUBJ 3P PL |
they might be punished | they might be subjected to retribution | they might be punished |
G5097-02 |
Acts 26:11 | τιμωρῶν | timoron | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
punishing | avenging | punishing |