βλάπτω (G984) — Greek Lexicon

βλάπτω

bláptō

G984 verb

SILEX Entry

Root βλαβ- to harm, to injure, to damage

Definition

To cause harm, to injure, to damage. This verb refers primarily to inflicting physical injury or damage, but may also extend to causing disadvantage, harm, or suffering in material, legal, or abstract senses depending on the context. In some contexts, it emphasizes the idea of being hurt, impaired, or hindered from benefit or advantage.

Semantic Range

to harm, to injure, to damage, to hurt, to cause disadvantage, to impair, to hinder, to wrong, to prejudice

Root / Etymology

From the root βλαβ-, an ancient Greek root with the basic sense of causing injury or harm. No clear cognates outside Greek. The root appears widely in classical and post-classical Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

βλάπτω is attested from the earliest Greek literature (Homeric Greek) and throughout classical, Hellenistic, and Koine periods. In classical contexts it most commonly refers to physical injury or material damage, but may also be used metaphorically for causing harm to reputation, legal standing, or general well-being. In legal contexts, it can refer to wrongdoing or infractions that harm another person. In the Septuagint, it is less common but used for causing harm or impairment. In the New Testament, it retains the broad sense of damage or injury, including moral or spiritual harm. English translations often render βλάπτω as 'hurt' or 'injure,' but the Greek encompasses both overt and subtle forms of harm, including disadvantage, prejudice, and obstruction. Unlike verbs such as ἀδικέω ('to do wrong, to act unjustly'), βλάπτω focuses on the result or effect of harm rather than legal or moral fault. Compare with ζημιόω (to cause loss, to forfeit), which can refer to suffering penalty or loss rather than active injury.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primary verb; properly, to hinder, i.e. (by implication) to injure:--hurt.

Root Family

βλάπτω (blaptō) — to harm, to injure, to damage

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	Occurrences
`G984-01`	βλάψαν	blapsan	`V AOR ACT PTCP NOM N SG`	having hurt	having harmed	1
`G984-02`	βλάψῃ	blapse	`V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG`	hurt	may harm	1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1
`G984-02`	Mark 16:18	βλάψῃ	blapse	`V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG`	hurt	may harm
`G984-01`	Luke 4:35	βλάψαν	blapsan	`V AOR ACT PTCP NOM N SG`	having hurt	having harmed

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