φραγέλλιον (G5416) — Greek Lexicon

φραγέλλιον

phragéllion

G5416 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A whip or lash, specifically a multi-thonged instrument designed for severe flogging or scourging, most often associated in Greco-Roman contexts with formal corporal punishment administered by Roman authorities. The primary sense is a flagrum or scourge used in punitive actions, particularly before crucifixion or for discipline.

Semantic Range

Roman whip, flagrum, instrument of official punishment, severe scourge, implement for expulsion or discipline

Root / Etymology

Greek φραγέλλιον is borrowed from the Latin flagellum, meaning 'scourge' or 'whip'. The word is a neuter diminutive, and the phonetic shape suggests direct borrowing from Latin in the Hellenistic or early Roman period. No related form attested in earlier Greek; the word is thus a loanword adopted to refer to Roman instruments or practices.

Historical & Contextual Notes

φραγέλλιον is a relatively rare term in Greek, and its attestation is primarily in Jewish Greek texts under Roman rule, such as the New Testament (e.g., John 2:15 and John 19:1). Its usage is distinguished from παιδία and μάστιξ, generic Greek terms for 'whip' or 'scourge.' The specificity of φραγέλλιον reflects Roman punitive customs, referencing the flagrum or flagellum, an instrument of military and penal discipline involving braided leather thongs, sometimes fitted with metal or bone. In the Gospel of John, φραγέλλιον refers explicitly to the instrument Jesus makes to drive out money-changers (2:15), as well as the Roman scourge used during Jesus' trial (19:1). The term is not attested in the Septuagint, classical Greek literature, or non-Jewish Hellenistic writings, and so it appears as a borrowing to fill a semantic gap for Roman-specific implements. Standard English translations use 'scourge' or 'whip,' but English 'scourge' may not convey the technical Roman background.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

neuter of a derivative from the base of φραγελλόω; a whip, i.e. Roman lash as a public punishment:--scourge.

Root Family

φραγέλλιον (phragellion) — whip, scourge, flogging instrument, Roman lash

Root φραγγελ- to whip, to scourge, to flog

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G5416-01`	φραγέλλιον	phragellion	`N ACC N SG`	a whip	a Roman scourge	a whip	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G5416-01`	John 2:15	φραγέλλιον	phragellion	`N ACC N SG`	a whip	a Roman scourge	a whip

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