### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G3036 (λιθοβολέω, transliterated *lithoboléō*) is a compound word derived from G3037 (λίθος, *líthos*), meaning "stone," and G906 (βάλλω, *ballō*), meaning "to throw." Its core meaning is therefore "to throw stones at" or "to pelt with stones." In its most prominent biblical usage, it refers to the act of lapidation, or stoning, a severe form of capital punishment prescribed in the Old Testament Law for various offenses (e.g., blasphemy, idolatry, adultery, false prophecy). Beyond formal execution, the term also encompasses the violent act of attacking someone with stones, often by an enraged mob, signifying extreme hostility, rejection, or an attempt to inflict serious harm or death. The semantic range thus covers both judicial execution and mob violence, always implying a forceful and potentially lethal assault using stones.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G3036 appears seven times in the New Testament, consistently denoting a violent act of throwing stones, often with lethal intent:
* **[[Matthew 21:35]]**: In the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, Jesus describes how the tenants "beat one [servant], killed another, and *stoned* another." Here, G3036 illustrates the extreme and escalating rejection and violence meted out against the master's messengers, foreshadowing the treatment of God's prophets and ultimately, His Son.
* **[[Matthew 23:37]] / [[Luke 13:34]]**: In Jesus' lament over Jerusalem, He cries, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and *stones* those sent to her!" This poignant declaration highlights Jerusalem's historical pattern of rejecting and executing God's messengers through violent means, underscoring the city's persistent rebellion against divine truth.
* **[[Luke 20:6]]**: Again in the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, the chief priests and scribes fear that if they deny John's baptism was from heaven, "all the people will *stone* us; for they are convinced that John was a prophet." This instance reveals the potential for mob violence, where the populace, convinced of John's prophetic authority, would resort to stoning those who disparaged him.
* **[[Acts 14:19]]**: Following Paul's powerful ministry in Lystra, "Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they *stoned* Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead." This is a literal and brutal account of G3036 in action, demonstrating the intense persecution faced by early Christian missionaries. Paul's survival here is miraculous.
* **[[Hebrews 12:20]]**: Quoting from [[Exodus 19:13]] regarding the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, the text states, "For they could not endure the command, 'IF EVEN A BEAST TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE *STONED* OR SHOT WITH A DART.'" Here, G3036 underscores the absolute holiness of God and the severe consequences for any transgression of His sacred boundaries, even by an animal. It highlights the divine decree for maintaining purity and reverence in God's presence.
Across these contexts, G3036 consistently portrays acts of extreme violence, whether as a formal (or desired) punishment or as an expression of mob fury, often directed against those who represent God or His truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **G3037 (λίθος, *líthos*)**: "Stone." This is the instrument of the action, intrinsically linked to G3036.
* **G906 (βάλλω, *ballō*)**: "To throw, cast." This is the fundamental action from which G3036 is formed.
* **G3034 (λιθάζω, *lithazō*)**: "To stone, to pelt with stones." This word is a very close synonym and is often used interchangeably with G3036 in contexts of stoning. While G3036 emphasizes the *action* of throwing stones, G3034 often denotes the *practice* or *result* of stoning (e.g., [[John 8:5]], [[John 10:31]], [[Acts 7:59]] for Stephen's stoning). Both words describe the same violent act, but G3036 might emphasize the dynamic process of casting stones, while G3034 focuses more on the established method of punishment or the general act of stoning.
* **`{{H7275}}` (רָגַם, *ragem*)**: The Hebrew equivalent for "to stone" in the Old Testament, which describes the judicial execution method prescribed by the Mosaic Law (e.g., [[Leviticus 20:2]], [[Deuteronomy 13:10]]).
* **Persecution and Martyrdom**: The concept of stoning is deeply intertwined with the theme of persecution, particularly the suffering and death of prophets, righteous individuals, and early Christian martyrs (e.g., Stephen in [[Acts 7]]).
* **Rejection of Divine Authority**: The frequent use of G3036 in contexts where God's messengers are targeted highlights the profound human tendency to reject divine authority and truth, often resorting to extreme violence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G3036 is multifaceted:
* **The Rejection of God's Messengers**: The most prominent theological theme associated with G3036 is the persistent and violent rejection of God's prophets and, ultimately, His Son. Jesus' lament over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37) tragically encapsulates this history, where those sent by God are met with deadly hostility. The stoning of Paul in Acts 14:19 further illustrates this pattern in the early church, where the proclamation of the Gospel was met with extreme opposition.
* **Human Hostility Towards Divine Truth**: The act of stoning, as depicted by G3036, symbolizes the depth of human sin and animosity towards divine revelation. It represents a desire to silence, eradicate, and utterly condemn those who speak God's truth, demonstrating the fallen human heart's resistance to righteousness.
* **Suffering and Martyrdom of the Righteous**: The word underscores the severe suffering endured by those who faithfully bear witness to God. It connects to the broader biblical theme of the righteous suffering for their obedience and testimony, a path that culminates in the ultimate sacrifice of Christ and continues in the lives of His followers.
* **Divine Holiness and Justice (Old Testament Context)**: In Hebrews 12:20, referencing the Sinai covenant, G3036 serves as a stark reminder of God's absolute holiness and the inviolability of His presence. Transgression, even unintentional, carried the penalty of stoning, emphasizing the strictness of divine justice and the necessity of reverence before the Almighty.
* **Contrast with Jesus' Mercy**: While G3036 describes a brutal act, the broader biblical narrative often contrasts this human propensity for condemnation with God's mercy. Though not using G3036, the episode of the woman caught in adultery ([[John 8:1-11]]) illustrates Jesus' intervention to prevent stoning, showcasing His grace and forgiveness over the Law's punitive measures, even while acknowledging the seriousness of sin.
### Summary
G3036 (λιθοβολέω, *lithoboléō*) means "to throw stones," primarily referring to the act of stoning, either as a judicial execution or as an act of mob violence. Its New Testament occurrences consistently depict extreme hostility and lethal intent, most notably illustrating the historical rejection and persecution of God's prophets and messengers, culminating in the suffering of Christ and His apostles. The word underscores the profound human resistance to divine truth, leading to the martyrdom of the righteous. Furthermore, in its Old Testament allusions, it highlights the severity of God's holiness and the strictness of His justice. G3036 thus serves as a powerful descriptor of human malice and the cost of faithfulness in a fallen world.
TRV