λιθοβολέω

lithoboléō /lith-ob-ol-eh'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom a compound of λίθος and βάλλω
Meaningto throw stones, i.e. lapidate
KJV usagestone, cast stones.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word lithoboléō, represented by G3036, is defined as to throw stones, i.e. lapidate. The word comes from a compound of λίθος and βάλλω. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible, consistently describing the act of stoning as a form of execution or violent assault.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G3036 is used in several key contexts. It is presented as a form of capital punishment under the law, as when accusers state, "Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned" John 8:5. The word is frequently associated with the persecution of God's messengers; Jesus laments over Jerusalem, a city that "stonest them which are sent unto thee" (Matthew 23:37, Luke 13:34). The book of Acts provides a direct account of its use in the martyrdom of Stephen, who was cast out of the city and stoned Acts 7:58-59.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand upon the contexts in which stoning occurs:

  • G615 apokteínō (to kill outright): Often used in parallel with stoning, this word emphasizes its lethal intent. Jerusalem is described as the city that "killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent" Luke 13:34.
  • G1781 entéllomai (to enjoin): This word establishes the legal pretext for stoning. In John's account, accusers refer to the law of Moses which "commanded us, that such should be stoned" John 8:5.
  • G1544 ekbállō (to eject): This highlights the process of an execution by stoning. Before his death, Stephen was first cast out of the city and then stoned Acts 7:58.

Theological Significance

The narrative weight of G3036 is significant. It represents a recurring theme of lethal rejection.

  • Judicial Execution: Stoning is presented as a penalty prescribed by Law. This is referenced both as a direct command John 8:5 and in an Old Testament context where even a beast touching the holy mountain "shall be stoned" Hebrews 12:20.
  • Rejection of Divine Messengers: The act of stoning becomes a powerful symbol for the rejection of those sent by God. Jesus laments that Jerusalem stones the prophets sent to it Matthew 23:37, a pattern that is seen in the death of Stephen Acts 7:59.
  • Hostility Towards the Gospel: The threat of stoning is directed at those spreading the gospel, as seen when an "assault" was planned by Gentiles and Jews to stone them Acts 14:5.

Summary

In summary, G3036 is more than a simple descriptor for a method of execution. It functions as a significant marker of conflict and rejection within the biblical narrative. From its basis as a legal punishment in the Mosaic Law to its repeated use against God's prophets and apostles, lithoboléō illustrates the ultimate hostility shown towards divine authority and its messengers, culminating in foundational stories of persecution and martyrdom.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 9 occurrences, inflected in 7 grammatical forms.

  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • Present Active Participle Vocative Singular Feminine 2×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Active Infinitive 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Future Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Passive Infinitive 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Vocative
Direct address — naming who is spoken to.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Future
Action yet to take place.
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.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 9 verses across 6 books. Most frequent in Acts (3 verses).

2
Matthew
1
Mark
1
Luke
1
John
3
Acts
1
Hebrews

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