The Greek word mṓlōps, represented by G3468, describes a stripe or a blow-mark. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. The term originates from words likely meaning "moil" and "face," suggesting a visible wound or bruise resulting from a heavy blow.
The sole use of G3468 is found in 1 Peter 2:24, where it is pivotal to the doctrine of atonement. The verse states that Christ himself "bare our sins in his own body on the tree." This act of substitutionary suffering is directly linked to the healing of believers, concluding with the phrase, "by whose stripes ye were healed." The context makes it clear that these stripes are the physical wounds Christ endured, which serve as the very means for spiritual restoration.
Several related words in its single appearance illuminate the meaning of G3468:
- G2390 iáomai (to cure (literally or figuratively):--heal, make whole): This is the direct result of the stripes. The suffering of Christ is the agent by which believers are healed 1 Peter 2:24.
- G399 anaphérō (to take up (literally or figuratively):--bear, bring (carry, lead) up, offer (up)): This describes the action Christ took upon himself. He bare the sins of humanity, and the stripes were the physical manifestation of that burden 1 Peter 2:24.
- G266 hamartía (a sin (properly abstract):--offence, sin(-ful)): This is what necessitated the stripes. Christ was made to be sin 2 Corinthians 5:21 and bore our sins so that we could be healed from their consequences 1 Peter 2:24.
- G4983 sōma (the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively:--bodily, body, slave): This specifies where the stripes were received. Christ bore our sins in his own body on the tree 1 Peter 2:24.
- G1343 dikaiosýnē (equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification:--righteousness): This is the purpose of the healing that comes from the stripes. Through His suffering, believers are enabled to die to sin and "live unto righteousness" 1 Peter 2:24.
The theological weight of G3468 is immense despite its single use. It anchors several core Christian doctrines.
- Vicarious Atonement: The word graphically portrays the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice. His "blow-mark" is the price paid for the healing G2390 of others, fulfilling the purpose that He would be made sin G266 for us 2 Corinthians 5:21.
- Healing from Sin: The stripes are explicitly stated as the cause of spiritual healing. This is not merely forgiveness but a restoration that allows a believer to be "dead to sins" and to live G2198 a new life dedicated to righteousness G1343 1 Peter 2:24.
- The Cost of Redemption: The term mṓlōps powerfully conveys the violent, physical cost of salvation. The healing and righteousness believers receive were secured through the suffering Christ endured in His body G4983 upon the tree G3586 1 Peter 2:24.
In summary, mṓlōps G3468 is a stark and powerful word. Though used only once, it encapsulates the brutal reality of Christ's physical suffering and connects it directly to the spiritual healing and justification of believers. This single reference to His stripes serves as a profound reminder that redemption was achieved through His wounds, transforming a mark of violence into the ultimate symbol of healing and grace.
TRV