### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κεφαλαιόω (kephalaióō, `{{G2775}}`) is derived from the root for κεφαλή (kephalē, `{{G2776}}`), meaning "head." Its primary and most direct meaning is "to strike on the head" or "to wound in the head." While Strong's notes its derivation from "the same as κεφάλαιον" (kephalaión, `{{G2776}}`), which can mean "sum" or "main point," the specific usage of κεφαλαιόω in the New Testament clearly aligns with the physical sense related to the "head." The term implies a direct, forceful, and often severe blow to a vital part of the body, indicating a malicious intent to inflict serious injury or even death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb κεφαλαιόω (kephalaióō, `{{G2775}}`) appears only once in the New Testament:
* **[[Mark 12:4]]**: "And again he sent to them another servant; and him they wounded in the head, and treated shamefully." (Καὶ πάλιν ἀπέστειλεν πρὸς αὐτοὺς ἄλλον δοῦλον· κἀκεῖνον ἐκεφαλαιώσαν καὶ ἠτίμασαν.)
This verse is part of the Parable of the Wicked Tenants (also found in [[Matthew 21:33-46]] and [[Luke 20:9-19]]). In this parable, the landowner represents God, the vineyard represents Israel, and the tenants represent the religious leaders of Israel. The servants sent by the landowner represent the prophets whom God sent to His people. The action of "wounding in the head" (ἐκεφαλαιώσαν) inflicted upon one of these servants signifies a particularly violent and contemptuous rejection of God's messenger. This act escalates the mistreatment from previous beatings, illustrating the growing rebellion and hostility of the tenants towards the landowner's authority. The specific nature of the injury—a blow to the head—underscores the severity of the assault and the intention to inflict maximum harm and dishonor. This incident serves as a crucial foreshadowing of the ultimate rejection and violent death of God's Son, Jesus, who is sent last in the parable.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **κεφαλή (kephalē, `{{G2776}}`)**: The direct linguistic root, meaning "head." This connection is fundamental to understanding the literal action of the verb. The "head" is often symbolically associated with life, intellect, authority, and leadership.
* **κεφάλαιον (kephalaión, `{{G2776}}`)**: While sharing the same Strong's number and a common root, this noun typically means "sum," "main point," or "capital." The verb κεφαλαιόω, in its New Testament usage, does not carry this semantic meaning but rather focuses on the physical head.
* **ἀτιμάζω (atimazō, `{{G818}}`)**: "To dishonor, treat with contempt." This verb is used in conjunction with κεφαλαιόω in [[Mark 12:4]] ("treated shamefully"), emphasizing that the physical violence was accompanied by profound disrespect and scorn for the messenger.
* **δέρμα (derma, `{{G1191}}`)**: "To beat, flog." This term describes the general physical abuse inflicted upon the servants earlier in the parable, showing a progression of violence that culminates in the "wounding in the head."
* **ἀποκτείνω (apokteinō, `{{G615}}`)**: "To kill." This verb describes the ultimate fate of the landowner's son in the parable, representing the crucifixion of Jesus. The "wounding in the head" of the servant is a step on this escalating path of violence and rejection.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of κεφαλαιόω (kephalaióō, `{{G2775}}`) in [[Mark 12:4]] carries profound theological weight within the context of the Parable of the Wicked Tenants.
* **Rejection of Divine Authority**: The act of "wounding in the head" symbolizes the severe and contemptuous rejection of God's divine authority and His messengers (the prophets) by the unfaithful leaders of Israel. It is an act of open rebellion against the rightful owner of the vineyard.
* **Foreshadowing of Christ's Suffering**: This specific act of violence against a servant directly foreshadows the suffering and eventual crucifixion of Jesus, God's Son. Jesus Himself was subjected to physical abuse, mockery, and a crown of thorns placed on His head, a symbolic "wounding" of His head as King, ultimately leading to His death. The escalating violence in the parable mirrors the escalating rejection of God's redemptive plan.
* **The Nature of Sin and Rebellion**: The parable, and this specific violent act, illustrates the depth of human rebellion against God's rightful claim and gracious overtures. It reveals how sin can lead to escalating hostility and a complete disregard for divine truth and justice.
* **Consequences of Rejection**: The violence against the servants and ultimately the son leads to the tenants' destruction. The "wounding in the head" is a stark illustration of the path of sin that inevitably leads to divine judgment for those who persistently reject God's messengers and His Son.
### Summary
The Greek verb κεφαλαιόω (kephalaióō, `{{G2775}}`) is a potent term, appearing exclusively in [[Mark 12:4]] within the New Testament. Rooted in the word for "head" (κεφαλή, `{{G2776}}`), it precisely means "to strike or wound in the head." In the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, this action vividly depicts the severe and contemptuous treatment of one of God's prophets by the rebellious leaders of Israel. This specific act of violence signifies not merely a physical assault but a profound act of dishonor and rejection aimed at the very essence of the messenger's being and the divine authority he represented. The "wounding in the head" serves as a critical foreshadowing of the ultimate rejection and violent death of God's Son, Jesus. Thus, despite its singular occurrence, κεφαλαιόω underscores the escalating nature of human rebellion against God's gracious initiatives and highlights the dire consequences of such profound spiritual opposition.
TRV