The Greek word perirrhḗgnymi, represented by G4048, means to rend off or tear completely away. It appears 1 times in 1 unique verses, indicating its use for a specific and forceful action. The base definition, "to tear all around, i.e. completely away," shows it is derived from the combination of περί and ῥήγνυμι.
The single biblical occurrence of G4048 is found in a moment of intense conflict and punishment. In this context, the magistrates ordered the forceful removal of garments from individuals before a beating. The verse states that the magistrates "rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them," positioning the act as a violent prelude to further punishment Acts 16:22.
Several related words from its sole context help illuminate the scene:
- G4755 stratēgós (magistrate): This term for a governor or captain identifies the civil authorities who commanded the action. In the narrative, these magistrates are the ones who give the order to rend off the clothes Acts 16:22.
- G2440 himátion (clothes): This word refers to a garment or apparel. It is the object of the action, the clothes that are violently torn off the prisoners by the magistrates Acts 16:22.
- G4463 rhabdízō (to beat): This word, meaning to strike with a stick, describes the punishment that immediately follows the tearing of the clothes, showing a direct sequence of public shaming and physical discipline Acts 16:22.
The significance of G4048 is tied directly to its dramatic context of judgment and punishment.
- Act of Public Shaming: The act of tearing off clothes G2440 serves as a public humiliation and prepares the individuals for physical punishment.
- Execution of Civil Authority: The action is performed by magistrates G4755, demonstrating an official and authoritative exercise of power against the accused. The use of G4048 emphasizes the violence inherent in this judgment.
- Prelude to Punishment: Its placement in the narrative shows it is the first step in a sequence of punitive actions, immediately preceding the command to beat G4463 the prisoners Acts 16:22.
In summary, G4048 is a rare but vivid term whose meaning is entirely defined by its singular use in scripture. It is not a broad theological concept but a specific descriptor of a violent act of stripping someone as part of a formal punishment. Its appearance in Acts 16:22 captures a moment of severe judgment, illustrating how the tearing of clothes was used by authorities as an act of public degradation before inflicting a beating.
TRV