### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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