### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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