### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G3034 (λιθάζω, *litházō*) is derived directly from the noun G3037 (λίθος, *líthos*), meaning "stone." Consequently, its core meaning is "to stone," "to pelt with stones," or "to lapidate." This term specifically denotes the act of inflicting punishment or death by throwing stones at an individual. Its semantic range is quite narrow, focusing exclusively on this particular method of violence, typically employed as a form of capital punishment or severe assault within the ancient Near Eastern context, often prescribed by law for certain offenses.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G3034 appears in several significant passages within the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels and Acts, illustrating its usage in contexts of religious persecution and attempted execution.
In the Gospel of John, G3034 is used to describe repeated attempts by Jewish leaders to stone Jesus:
* [[John 10:31]]: "Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him." Here, the intent to stone Jesus arises from his declaration, "I and the Father are one" ([[John 10:30]]), which they perceived as blasphemy, a capital offense under Mosaic Law ([[Leviticus 24:16]]).
* [[John 10:32-33]]: Jesus directly confronts their intent, asking "For which of those works do ye stone me?" Their reply confirms the charge of blasphemy: "For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God." This highlights the profound theological conflict and the ultimate rejection of Jesus's divine claims by many.
* [[John 11:8]]: As Jesus contemplates returning to Judea, his disciples warn him, "Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?" This underscores the constant threat of violence Jesus faced due to his ministry and claims.
In the book of Acts, G3034 describes the violent persecution of the apostle Paul:
* [[Acts 14:19]]: "And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead." This account in Lystra vividly portrays the ferocity of the opposition Paul encountered, an act of mob violence fueled by religious animosity against the Gospel message.
Paul himself recounts this harrowing experience in his second letter to the Corinthians:
* [[2 Corinthians 11:25]]: "Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep." This personal testimony from Paul emphasizes the extreme physical suffering and life-threatening dangers he endured as an apostle for Christ.
Across these occurrences, G3034 consistently denotes an act of severe, often lethal, violence, stemming from religious or theological opposition.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding G3034 is enhanced by examining related Greek terms and theological concepts:
* G3037 (λίθος, *líthos*): The foundational noun "stone," from which G3034 is directly derived. This connection emphasizes the literal nature of the act.
* G2602 (καταλιθάζω, *katalitházō*): A compound verb meaning "to stone down" or "to stone thoroughly." While similar, it can imply a more complete or decisive act of stoning, as seen in [[Luke 20:6]] and [[John 8:5]] (though the latter verse's authenticity is debated). This term is also used for the stoning of Stephen in [[Acts 7:59]].
* G3036 (λιθοβολέω, *lithoboléō*): Meaning "to throw stones at" or "to stone." This verb emphasizes the action of throwing the stones. It is used in passages like [[Matthew 21:35]] and [[Luke 13:34]], where Jesus laments Jerusalem's pattern of killing and stoning the prophets sent to her.
* **Blasphemy (G988 βλασφημία):** The primary charge leveled against Jesus that prompted attempts at stoning, highlighting the clash between his divine claims and the established religious understanding.
* **Persecution (G1375 διωγμός):** The broader context in which stoning often occurred for early Christians. The act of stoning epitomizes the severe persecution faced by those who proclaimed the Gospel.
* **Martyrdom:** Stoning was a common method of execution for martyrs, most notably Stephen ([[Acts 7:58-59]]), underscoring the ultimate sacrifice made for faith.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of G3034 carry profound theological significance:
* **Rejection of Christ:** The repeated attempts to stone Jesus vividly illustrate the deep-seated rejection of his person and claims by many Jewish leaders. For them, his assertion of divine authority was blasphemous, warranting the most severe punishment under the Law. This highlights the spiritual blindness and hardened hearts that opposed the Light of the World.
* **Suffering of the Apostles:** The stoning of Paul in Lystra and his inclusion of it in his list of apostolic sufferings underscore the harsh realities of proclaiming the Gospel in a hostile world. It demonstrates the willingness of early believers to endure extreme physical violence and near-death experiences for the sake of Christ and the spread of His message. This suffering mirrors the suffering of Christ himself.
* **Fulfillment of Prophetic Pattern:** The stoning of God's messengers was a recurring motif in Israel's history, as lamented by Jesus himself ([[Matthew 23:37]], [[Luke 13:34]]). The use of G3034 to describe attempts on Jesus's life and the actual stoning of Paul places them within this long-standing pattern of rejection and violence against those sent by God.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Endurance:** While Jesus often miraculously evaded stoning ([[John 8:59]], [[John 10:39]]), Paul was indeed stoned to the point of presumed death before being supernaturally revived. This illustrates God's sovereign hand, sometimes providing protection, and at other times permitting intense suffering for His divine purposes, demonstrating the resilience and endurance of faith.
### Summary
The Greek verb G3034 (λιθάζω, *litházō*) means "to stone" or "to lapidate," directly derived from the word for "stone" (G3037). Its usage in the New Testament is concentrated in narratives depicting severe religious persecution. In the Gospel of John, it consistently describes the attempts by Jewish authorities to stone Jesus for perceived blasphemy, revealing their profound rejection of his divine identity. In Acts and 2 Corinthians, it recounts the actual stoning of the apostle Paul, illustrating the intense physical suffering and life-threatening opposition faced by early Christian missionaries. Theologically, G3034 underscores the rejection of Jesus by those who failed to recognize his divine nature, the immense cost and suffering endured by his followers in proclaiming the Gospel, and the historical pattern of violence against God's messengers. It serves as a stark reminder of the unwavering commitment required in the face of profound hostility for the sake of the Kingdom.
TRV