### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word μώλωψ (mṓlōps), transliterated as mṓlōps and corresponding to Strong's `{{G3468}}`, fundamentally denotes a bruise, contusion, or a mark left by a physical blow. Its etymological roots suggest a connection to "moil" (to labor or be agitated, often implying weariness or injury) and "face" (from ὀπτάνομαι, `{{G3700}}`, to appear or be seen), emphasizing a visible mark on the body resulting from impact. This term describes the discoloration, swelling, and physical damage that result from a forceful strike or assault. While often translated as "stripe" in English versions, particularly in the King James Version, the semantic range of mṓλoψ is broader than merely a linear mark from a whip. It encompasses any welt, bruise, or contusion, indicating the general disfigurement and trauma inflicted upon the flesh. It speaks to the visible evidence of severe physical suffering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word μώλωψ (mṓlōps) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its singular occurrence is profoundly significant:
* **[[1 Peter 2:24]]**: "who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes (μώλωψ) you were healed."
* In this context, μώλωψ refers to the physical injuries inflicted upon Jesus Christ during His passion, specifically the scourging and blows He endured before and during His crucifixion. It speaks to the visible marks of His suffering: the bruises, welts, and contusions that covered His body. Peter's use of this word directly echoes the prophecy of [[Isaiah 53:5]] (LXX: "by his bruise we were healed"), firmly establishing the connection between Christ's physical suffering and the spiritual and holistic healing available to believers. The verse highlights the substitutionary nature of Christ's atonement, where His physical wounds are the means through which humanity finds deliverance from sin and restoration to a right relationship with God. The "healing" (ἰάομαι, `{{G2390}}`) is comprehensive, encompassing spiritual redemption and the breaking of sin's power, leading to a life of righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding μώλωψ is enhanced by examining related terms and theological concepts:
* **Hebrew Parallel**: The most crucial parallel is the Hebrew word חַבּוּרָה (chabbûrâh, `{{H2250}}`), found in [[Isaiah 53:5]], "by his stripes we are healed." The Septuagint (LXX) translates חַבּוּרָה as μώλωψ, creating a direct linguistic and theological link to Peter's citation. Both words convey the idea of a bruise or wound from a blow.
* **Physical Suffering**:
* πληγή (plēgē, `{{G3937}}`): A blow, stroke, wound, or plague. Often used for severe physical injury or divine judgment.
* μαστιγόω (mastigoō, `{{G3146}}`): To scourge or flog, directly related to the act of inflicting the "stripes" (bruises) upon Jesus.
* τύπτω (typtō, `{{G5180}}`): To strike or beat.
* **Atonement and Sacrifice**: The concept of vicarious suffering, where one bears the punishment or consequences for another.
* **Healing**: Both physical and spiritual healing are intrinsically linked to the suffering of Christ. The μώλωψ of Christ is the means of our ἰάομαι (iaomai, `{{G2390}}`).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μώλωψ (mṓlōps) is profound and central to Christian doctrine:
* **Vicarious Atonement**: The singular use of μώλωψ in [[1 Peter 2:24]] serves as a powerful theological anchor for the doctrine of vicarious atonement. Christ's physical suffering, evidenced by His bruises and wounds, was not for His own sin but was borne on behalf of humanity's transgressions. His μώλωψ became the vehicle for our healing and reconciliation with God.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy**: Peter's direct quotation or allusion to [[Isaiah 53:5]] underscores the prophetic nature of Christ's suffering. The Old Testament foretold a suffering servant whose wounds would bring healing, and Jesus perfectly fulfilled this. The use of μώλωψ connects the New Testament reality directly to the ancient promise.
* **Holistic Redemption**: The "healing" spoken of in [[1 Peter 2:24]] is not limited to physical restoration, though it does not exclude it. Primarily, it refers to spiritual healing from the power and guilt of sin, leading to a new life of righteousness. The μώλωψ of Christ signifies the complete reversal of humanity's fallen state, providing forgiveness, sanctification, and eternal life.
* **Empathy and Identification**: The vivid image of Christ bearing μώλωψ fosters a deep sense of empathy for His suffering and invites believers to identify with Him, particularly in their own experiences of suffering for righteousness' sake, as Peter encourages throughout his epistle.
### Summary
The Greek word μώλωψ (mṓlōps, `{{G3468}}`) denotes a bruise, contusion, or the mark of a blow. Its singular, yet pivotal, appearance in the New Testament in [[1 Peter 2:24]] describes the physical injuries—the "stripes" or bruises—sustained by Jesus Christ during His passion. This word explicitly links Christ's bodily suffering to the comprehensive spiritual and holistic healing experienced by believers. It serves as a direct fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy in [[Isaiah 53:5]] (where the Septuagint also uses μώλωψ for `{{H2250}}`), emphasizing the vicarious nature of Christ's atonement. The μώλωψ of Christ is thus a powerful symbol of His sacrificial love, the means by which humanity is redeemed from sin, brought to righteousness, and restored to life in God.
TRV