The Greek word laktízō, represented by G2979, means to kick. Derived from an adverb meaning "heelwise," its definition is "to recalcitrate:--kick." This specific term is rare, appearing only 2 times in 2 unique verses within the New Testament, but it carries significant metaphorical weight in its context.
In its biblical usage, G2979 appears exclusively in the accounts of Saul's conversion. As Saul is on his way to persecute Christians, the Lord confronts him, saying, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks" Acts 9:5. This same event is recounted later, where a voice speaks to Saul in the Hebrew tongue, again stating, "it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks" Acts 26:14. In both instances, the word illustrates a futile and self-harming resistance against a divine force.
Several related words found in the same passages give depth to the meaning of G2979:
- G1377 diṓkō (to pursue, persecute): This word describes the action Saul was engaged in. It is used for both negative pursuit, such as to persecute Acts 9:5, and positive pursuit, as in to press toward a goal Philippians 3:14.
- G2759 kéntron (a point, sting, or goad): This is what Saul is warned not to kick against. The word is used for the pricks or goads in Saul's conversion Acts 26:14 and is also translated as the sting of death 1 Corinthians 15:56.
- G4642 sklērós (hard, tough, harsh, severe): This describes the nature of Saul's resistance. It is hard to fight against God's will Acts 9:5, just as a servant might describe his master as a hard man Matthew 25:24.
- G4314 prós (toward, against): This preposition shows the direction of the action. While used here to mean against the pricks Acts 26:14, it more commonly denotes motion toward a destination, such as coming unto God Philippians 4:6 or the Word being with God John 1:1.
The theological weight of G2979 is concentrated in the metaphor it creates for opposing God's will.
- Futile Resistance: The act of kicking against the goads is the central image. This act, described as hard G4642, highlights the painful and pointless nature of fighting against a "divine impulse," as suggested by the definition of kéntron G2759. The phrase appears in both accounts of Saul's conversion (Acts 9:5, Acts 26:14).
- Persecution as Rebellion: The word is directly equated with Saul's act of persecution G1377. By persecuting believers, Saul was, in effect, kicking against the Lord Himself. This frames persecution not just as an attack on people, but as a direct and self-injurious rebellion against God.
- The Nature of Conversion: The use of G2979 powerfully illustrates the moment before conversion. It depicts a state of active, though ultimately powerless, struggle against God's call, which must cease for the individual to turn toward Him.
In summary, G2979 laktízō is a highly specific term that, while appearing only twice, provides a potent and memorable metaphor. Used exclusively in the context of Saul's encounter with Jesus, it defines the act of resisting God as a painful, futile struggle. It vividly portrays persecution as a form of self-defeating rebellion, making it a cornerstone for understanding the nature of opposing divine will and the transformative power of yielding to it.
TRV