from a derivative of πλήσσω (meaning an axe); to chop off (the head), i.e. truncate:--behead.
Transliteration:pelekízō
Pronunciation:pel-ek-id'-zo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb πελεκίζω (G3990, *pelekízō*) carries a precise and stark meaning derived from its etymological roots. It stems from a derivative of πλήσσω (G4141), meaning "to strike" or "to smite," and specifically relates to *pélekys*, the Greek word for "axe." Thus, the core meaning of πελεκίζω is "to strike with an axe" or "to chop off." In its biblical usage, this meaning is further narrowed to the specific act of "beheading" or "decapitating," emphasizing the instrument used in this form of execution. This specificity distinguishes it from other general terms for killing or executing, highlighting the brutal and definitive nature of death by an axe.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb πελεκίζω (G3990) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Revelation:
* [[Revelation 20:4]]: "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were **beheaded** for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."
In this singular occurrence, πελεκίζω describes the manner of death for a specific group of martyrs. These are individuals who have endured extreme persecution, refusing to compromise their faith by worshipping the Beast or receiving its mark. The explicit mention of "beheading" underscores the severity and finality of their earthly sacrifice. This method of execution was common in the Roman world and symbolized a definitive act of state power against perceived enemies. The context is eschatological, portraying the ultimate vindication and reward for those who remain faithful unto death, contrasting their violent end with their subsequent reign with Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related terms and concepts illuminate the meaning and significance of πελεκίζω (G3990):
* πλήσσω (G4141): The root verb meaning "to strike" or "to smite." This highlights the violent action inherent in πελεκίζω.
* ἀποκεφαλίζω (G607): This verb also means "to behead" and is used more frequently in the New Testament, notably concerning the execution of John the Baptist (e.g., [[Matthew 14:10]], [[Mark 6:27]]). While both πελεκίζω and ἀποκεφαλίζω translate as "to behead," πελεκίζω specifically implies the use of an axe, whereas ἀποκεφαλίζω (from ἀπό "off" and κεφαλή "head") simply means to sever the head, without specifying the instrument. The choice of πελεκίζω in Revelation 20:4 might evoke a particularly brutal or public form of execution.
* μάρτυς (G3144) and μαρτυρία (G3141): "Witness" and "testimony." The martyrs described in [[Revelation 20:4]] are "beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of God," directly linking their death to their unwavering testimony.
* Persecution and Suffering: The act of beheading is a vivid portrayal of the extreme suffering faced by believers for their faith, a recurring theme throughout the biblical narrative and church history.
* The Beast: The antagonist in Revelation, representing antichristian power, whose authority extends to inflicting death upon the faithful.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of πελεκίζω (G3990) in [[Revelation 20:4]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate cost of discipleship and the reality of martyrdom for those who refuse to compromise their allegiance to Christ.
1. **Ultimate Fidelity:** The fact that these individuals were "beheaded" signifies their unyielding faithfulness unto death. They chose physical annihilation over spiritual apostasy, demonstrating the highest form of loyalty to God's word and the testimony of Jesus. Their death is not a defeat but the ultimate act of worship.
2. **Paradox of Victory:** The passage immediately contrasts their violent death with their subsequent life and reign with Christ for a thousand years. This highlights a central paradox of Christian theology: victory is achieved through suffering, and life is found through death. The earthly power of the Beast to execute is ultimately rendered impotent by God's power to resurrect and reward.
3. **Identification with Christ's Suffering:** While Christ was crucified, the suffering of these martyrs, even by a different method, aligns them with the pattern of Christ's own suffering and ultimate vindication. Their beheading becomes a participation in the messianic woes and a testament to the truth of the Gospel.
4. **Assurance of Divine Justice:** The vision of these martyrs reigning with Christ provides immense comfort and assurance to persecuted believers throughout history. It underscores the certainty of divine justice, where the faithful who suffer unjustly will be vindicated and rewarded, while their persecutors will face judgment.
### Summary
πελεκίζω (G3990) is a potent Greek verb meaning "to chop off (the head) with an axe" or "to behead." Its sole occurrence in [[Revelation 20:4]] powerfully depicts the brutal persecution endured by martyrs who refuse to worship the Beast, choosing unwavering fidelity to Jesus and the Word of God. This specific term emphasizes the instrument of execution, contributing to the vivid imagery of their sacrifice. Theologically, πελεκίζω underscores the ultimate cost of discipleship, the paradox of victory through suffering, and the divine assurance of vindication and reign for those who remain faithful unto death. It serves as a profound testament to the enduring power of faith in the face of extreme adversity.
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