### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κολαφίζω (kolaphízō, `{{G2852}}`) is derived from a base related to κολάζω (kolazō, `{{G2849}}`), which signifies "to punish" or "to chastise." The core meaning of κολαφίζω is "to rap with the fist," "to strike with the hand," or "to buffet." It implies a forceful, repeated striking, often with the hand or fist, intended not merely to inflict pain but also to humiliate, torment, or punish. The semantic range thus extends beyond simple physical contact to encompass notions of abuse, torment, and disciplinary action, whether human-inflicted or divinely permitted.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κολαφίζω appears five times in the New Testament, offering profound insights into its usage:
* **[[Matthew 26:67]] and [[Mark 14:65]]**: These parallel accounts describe the abuse inflicted upon Jesus during His trial before the Sanhedrin. "Then did they spit in his face, and buffet him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands" ([[Matthew 26:67]]). Here, κολαφίζω is part of a series of actions—spitting, covering His face, striking—designed to mock, humiliate, and physically torment Jesus. It highlights the depth of His suffering and the injustice He endured.
* **[[1 Corinthians 4:11]]**: Paul, describing the apostles' suffering, states, "Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace." In this context, κολαφίζω refers to the physical hardships, ill-treatment, and abuse (likely physical beatings or constant harassment) that the apostles endured for the sake of the gospel. It underscores the reality and severity of their apostolic suffering.
* **[[2 Corinthians 12:7]]**: Paul famously speaks of his "thorn in the flesh": "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure." Here, the verb is used metaphorically. The "messenger of Satan" is permitted by God to "buffet" Paul, indicating a persistent, painful, and harassing affliction. It is a constant torment, like being repeatedly struck, designed to humble Paul and prevent spiritual pride.
* **[[1 Peter 2:20]]**: Peter addresses suffering for righteousness' sake: "For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God." This verse uses κολαφίζω to describe suffering unjust physical punishment or abuse. It calls believers to patient endurance when they suffer for doing good, drawing a parallel to Christ's own example of suffering without retaliation.
Across its occurrences, κολαφίζω consistently denotes severe, often repeated, physical or metaphorical striking, usually accompanied by humiliation or torment.
### Related Words & Concepts
* κολάζω (kolazō, `{{G2849}}`): The etymological root, meaning "to punish" or "to chastise." This connection emphasizes that the "buffeting" is often punitive or disciplinary in nature.
* ῥαπίζω (rhapizō, `{{G4474}}`): Meaning "to strike with a rod" or "to slap with the open hand." This word is used in parallel with κολαφίζω in [[Matthew 26:67]], indicating a similar but not identical form of striking. While κολαφίζω often suggests a fist, ῥαπίζω is broader.
* τυπτω (typtō, `{{G5180}}`): A more general verb meaning "to strike," "to beat," or "to smite."
* δέρμα (derma, `{{G1192}}`): While not a direct synonym, the verb δέρειν (derein, "to flay," "to beat") is related to severe physical abuse, highlighting the spectrum of corporal suffering.
* Concepts: Suffering, persecution, humiliation, torment, discipline, divine chastening, endurance, and the imitation of Christ's suffering.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κολαφίζω is profound, particularly in its portrayal of suffering:
* **The Suffering of Christ**: The most poignant use of κολαφίζω is in describing the physical abuse endured by Jesus. It vividly underscores His profound humiliation and suffering as the Suffering Servant ([[Isaiah 50:6]]), who willingly submitted to injustice and torment for the redemption of humanity. His patient endurance in the face of such indignity serves as the ultimate example for believers.
* **Apostolic and Believer Suffering**: The term highlights the reality of persecution and physical hardship experienced by early apostles and believers. This suffering is not a sign of divine disfavor but often a mark of true discipleship, a participation in the sufferings of Christ ([[Philippians 3:10]]). It demonstrates the cost of faithfully proclaiming the gospel in a hostile world.
* **Divine Purpose in Affliction**: Paul's "thorn in the flesh" in [[2 Corinthians 12:7]] reveals a unique theological dimension. Here, κολαφίζω depicts a divinely permitted, satanic affliction that serves a redemptive purpose: to humble God's servant and prevent pride. This illustrates the paradox that God's power is made perfect in weakness ([[2 Corinthians 12:9]]), transforming suffering into a means of grace and spiritual growth.
* **Patient Endurance and Witness**: In [[1 Peter 2:20]], κολαφίζω emphasizes the virtue of patient endurance when suffering unjustly. Believers are called to follow Christ's example, accepting mistreatment without retaliation, trusting in God's righteous judgment. This connects suffering with sanctification and serves as a powerful witness to the world.
### Summary
The Greek verb κολαφίζω (G2852), meaning "to buffet" or "to strike with the fist," fundamentally conveys forceful physical abuse, often with the intent to punish, humiliate, or torment. Its most striking New Testament occurrences portray the brutal mistreatment of Jesus Christ during His passion, powerfully illustrating His profound suffering and passive endurance. Beyond Christ, κολαφίζω describes the physical hardships and persecutions endured by the apostles, testifying to the reality of their ministry. Uniquely, in [[2 Corinthians 12:7]], Paul uses it metaphorically for his "thorn in the flesh," a persistent affliction divinely permitted to humble him and showcase God's power in weakness. Theologically, κολαφίζω illuminates the depths of Christ's redemptive suffering, the reality of apostolic persecution, the transformative power of affliction in a believer's life, and the call to patient endurance in the face of injustice, echoing the example of the Suffering Servant. It is a term that encapsulates not only physical pain but also deep humiliation and persistent torment, all of which are interwoven into God's sovereign plan for redemption and the sanctification of His people.
TRV