Word Study for G2852 (κολαφίζω)

kolaphízō /kol-af-id'-zo/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom a derivative of the base of κολάζω

Meaningto rap with the fist

KJV usagebuffet.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of kolaphízō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word kolaphízō, represented by G2852, means to rap with the fist or to buffet. It is derived from a base of κολάζω. This term appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible, consistently denoting a form of physical or metaphorical assault.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G2852 is most pointedly used to describe the physical abuse endured by Jesus. During his trial, his captors "did they spit in his face, and buffeted him" Matthew 26:67. This act of being buffeted is presented alongside other humiliations like spitting and being struck with the palms of their hands Mark 14:65. The term is also used metaphorically and literally to describe the suffering of the apostles. Paul speaks of being buffeted as part of a list of hardships including hunger and nakedness 1 Corinthians 4:11, and describes a "messenger of Satan to buffet me" 2 Corinthians 12:7. Peter uses it to distinguish between being buffeted for one's faults and suffering for doing well 1 Peter 2:20.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide a fuller context for the actions associated with G2852:

G1716 emptýō: meaning to spit at or on, this action often accompanies being buffeted, as seen when Jesus's accusers began to spit on him Mark 14:65.
G4383 prósōpon: defined as the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person, it is the target of the buffeting and spitting directed at Jesus Matthew 26:67.
G4474 rhapízō: meaning to slap, this word describes an alternate or accompanying action to being buffeted, as when "others smote him with the palms of their hands" Matthew 26:67.
G4475 rhápisma: defined as a slap, this noun is used to describe the blows the servants gave Jesus Mark 14:65.
G906 bállō: a primary verb meaning to throw, this is used in the context of the abuse against Jesus where servants "did strike him with the palms of their hands" Mark 14:65.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2852 is tied to the themes of persecution and endurance.

The Suffering of Christ: The word graphically details a component of Jesus's passion. Being buffeted was a literal part of the physical torment he endured on behalf of others, fulfilling prophecies of his suffering (Matthew 26:67, Mark 14:65).
The Cost of Discipleship: The apostles use the same term to frame their own experiences. Paul identifies being buffeted as a characteristic of his apostolic ministry, a mark of his authentic service and shared suffering with Christ 1 Corinthians 4:11.
Patient Endurance: Peter uses the term to teach about the nature of suffering. He poses that there is no glory if "ye be buffeted for your faults," but enduring suffering patiently after doing well is "acceptable with God" 1 Peter 2:20.
Spiritual Warfare: Paul's description of a "thorn in the flesh" as a "messenger of Satan to buffet" him extends the meaning from a purely physical act to a form of spiritual or chronic affliction 2 Corinthians 12:7.

Summary

In summary, G2852 is a specific and violent term meaning to buffet or strike with a fist. While it appears only a few times, its usage is significant, describing the physical humiliation of Christ, the hardships of the apostles, and the broader Christian experience of enduring suffering. The word links physical persecution with the spiritual realities of discipleship and patient endurance in the face of hostility.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 5 occurrences, inflected in 5 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
Present Active Infinitive 1×
Present Active Subjunctive 3rd Singular 1×
Present Passive Indicative 1st Plural 1×
Present Passive Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
1st: First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive: Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive: The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 5 verses across 5 of the 27 books. 5 books tie for most frequent (1 verse each); never once in the other 22.

Matthew

Mark

1 Corinthians

2 Corinthians

1 Peter

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.