a primary verb; to hit (as if by a single blow and less violently than τύπτω); specially, to sting (as a scorpion):--smite, strike.
Transliteration:paíō
Pronunciation:pah'-yo
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G3817}}` (paíō) fundamentally denotes the action "to hit," "to strike," or "to smite." Its core meaning implies a single, distinct blow, often distinguished from `{{G5180}}` (týptō), which can suggest a more violent or repeated beating. While both verbs translate as "to strike," paíō carries a nuance of a less severe or singular impact. Beyond physical striking, paíō possesses a specialized semantic range, specifically employed to describe the act of "stinging," particularly by a scorpion. This dual usage highlights its capacity to describe both direct human-on-human physical action and the specific, piercing action of an animal's venomous appendage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G3817}}` appears in the New Testament primarily in two distinct contexts:
1. **Physical Striking of Persons:** This usage is prominent in the accounts of Jesus' passion and the persecution of the apostles.
* During Jesus' trial, soldiers and those mocking him are depicted as striking him. In [[Matthew 26:68]], [[Mark 14:65]], and [[Luke 22:64]], paíō describes the blows delivered to Jesus, often accompanied by taunts and blindfolding, emphasizing the indignity and abuse he suffered. These were not necessarily prolonged beatings but sharp, humiliating blows.
* In [[John 18:10]], Peter "strikes" (paíō) the high priest's servant, Malchus, cutting off his ear. This is a singular, impulsive act of violence.
* The Apostle Paul is struck on the mouth by order of the High Priest Ananias in [[Acts 23:2]]. Here, paíō again denotes a direct, singular blow, an act of contempt and injustice.
2. **Scorpion Stinging:** In the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, paíō is used to describe the action of scorpions.
* [[Revelation 9:5]] and [[Revelation 9:19]] speak of the scorpions' power "to sting" (paíō) men, inflicting torment for five months. This usage perfectly aligns with the specialized meaning of the word, depicting a painful, non-fatal infliction.
Across these contexts, paíō consistently describes a focused, often sudden, impact, whether a human blow or an animal's sting.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G3817}}` stands in close semantic relation to several other Greek terms describing physical violence, yet maintains its unique nuance:
* `{{G5180}}` (týptō): As noted, týptō also means "to strike" but often implies a more severe or repeated beating, or a sustained flogging, whereas paíō suggests a single, perhaps less forceful, blow.
* `{{G1194}}` (dérō): "to flay," "to beat severely," "to flog." This term denotes a much more brutal and sustained form of physical abuse.
* `{{G3847}}` (parapíptō): "to fall beside," but can be related conceptually to the idea of a misdirected or glancing blow, though not a direct synonym.
* Related concepts include suffering, persecution, injustice, and divine judgment. The word connects to the broader biblical themes of Christ's passion, the cost of discipleship, and the nature of eschatological torment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3817}}` is multifaceted, touching upon the themes of suffering, human depravity, and divine judgment.
1. **The Suffering of Christ:** The repeated use of paíō to describe the blows inflicted upon Jesus ([[Matthew 26:68]], [[Mark 14:65]], [[Luke 22:64]]) is profoundly significant. It highlights the physical abuse and humiliation that were an integral part of his passion. These blows, though perhaps not as severe as a full flogging, were acts of mockery and contempt, underscoring the spiritual blindness and cruelty of his tormentors. Jesus' passive endurance of these strikes exemplifies his humility and obedience, fulfilling prophetic expectations of the suffering Servant.
2. **Apostolic Persecution:** Paul's experience in [[Acts 23:2]] demonstrates that the suffering endured by Christ extends to his followers. The unjust command to strike Paul on the mouth reveals the hostility faced by those proclaiming the Gospel, aligning their experiences with that of their Lord.
3. **Divine Judgment and Torment:** The specialized use of paíō for scorpion stings in [[Revelation 9:5]] and [[Revelation 9:19]] carries significant eschatological weight. It depicts a form of divine judgment that inflicts intense pain and torment, but not death, upon unrepentant humanity. This imagery emphasizes the severity of God's wrath, where the "sting" is a divinely permitted infliction designed to cause suffering as a consequence of rebellion. It portrays a precise, targeted, and agonizing form of judgment rather than immediate annihilation.
### Summary
`{{G3817}}` (paíō) is a Greek verb meaning "to hit," "to strike," or "to smite," often implying a single, distinct blow, less violent than `{{G5180}}` (týptō). It also uniquely signifies "to sting," especially in the context of scorpions. Biblically, its occurrences fall into two main categories: the physical striking of persons, particularly Jesus during his passion ([[Matthew 26:68]], [[Mark 14:65]], [[Luke 22:64]]) and Paul ([[Acts 23:2]]), highlighting suffering and injustice; and the stinging action of scorpions in the book of Revelation ([[Revelation 9:5]], [[Revelation 9:19]]), symbolizing divine judgment and torment. Theologically, paíō underscores the profound suffering of Christ, the shared experience of persecution among his followers, and the nature of eschatological punishment as a painful, though not immediately fatal, infliction.
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