apparently another form of πλάσσω (through the idea of flattening out); to pound, i.e. (figuratively) to inflict with (calamity):--smite. Compare τύπτω.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb πλήσσω (plḗssō, `{{G4141}}`) fundamentally conveys the idea "to pound" or "to strike with force." Its etymological root is often traced to πλάσσω (plássō, `{{G4111}}`), meaning "to mold" or "to form," suggesting an original sense of shaping or flattening through forceful impact. However, in its New Testament usage, this physical connotation extends figuratively and primarily denotes the infliction of calamity, injury, or divine judgment. Thus, its semantic range narrows significantly to "to smite," "to strike down," or "to inflict a blow," especially one with severe consequences. It implies a decisive and often destructive action, distinct from a mere touch or light tap.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of πλήσσω (plḗssō, `{{G4141}}`) in the New Testament are notably rare, confined exclusively to the book of Revelation, where it appears in contexts of divine judgment and eschatological events.
1. **[[Revelation 8:12]]**: "And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise." Here, the verb ἐπλήγη (eplḗgē), the aorist passive form of πλήσσω, describes a cosmic event where celestial bodies are "smitten" by divine decree, resulting in a significant reduction of light. This is presented as a direct act of God's judgment, impacting creation itself and signaling the unfolding of the end times. The effect is not merely a dimming but a forceful, destructive blow that alters the natural order.
2. **[[Revelation 11:6]]**: "These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will." In this verse, πλῆξαι (plēxai), the aorist infinitive of πλήσσω, describes the authority granted to the two witnesses. They are empowered to "smite the earth with all plagues." This usage directly links the act of "smiting" to the unleashing of "plagues" (πληγή, plēgē, `{{G4127}}`), which are divine punishments or afflictions. The context underscores a delegated power to inflict severe, widespread suffering upon the unrepentant world, mirroring the judgments of the Old Testament (e.g., the plagues of Egypt).
In both instances, πλήσσω signifies a powerful, divinely orchestrated act of inflicting severe harm or judgment, whether upon the cosmos or upon humanity, as a consequence of sin or as part of God's redemptive-historical plan. The "smiting" is not arbitrary but purposeful, a manifestation of divine wrath and sovereignty.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of πλήσσω (plḗssō, `{{G4141}}`) is illuminated by its connections to other Greek terms:
* **πλάσσω (plássō, `{{G4111}}`)**: As noted in the base definition, this verb means "to mold" or "to form." The connection suggests an original idea of shaping through forceful impact, which then evolved to simply "to strike" or "to inflict." While the direct semantic link is not obvious in the New Testament usage of πλήσσω, the etymological root provides a glimpse into the word's development.
* **τύπτω (týptō, `{{G5180}}`)**: This verb, suggested for comparison in the Strong's definition, is a more general term for "to strike," "to beat," or "to hit." While both πλήσσω and τύπτω involve striking, πλήσσω in its New Testament context carries a stronger connotation of inflicting a severe, often divinely ordained, blow or calamity, whereas τύπτω can refer to a wider range of physical striking, including less severe forms.
* **πληγή (plēgē, `{{G4127}}`)**: This is the most significant related term, being the noun form of πλήσσω. It means "a blow," "a wound," "a stripe," or most prominently in Revelation, "a plague." The frequent use of πληγή in Revelation (e.g., [[Revelation 9:18]], [[Revelation 15:1]], [[Revelation 22:18]]) to describe the divine judgments clearly indicates that the "smiting" (πλήσσω) results in "plagues" (πληγή). The action of πλήσσω directly produces the πληγή.
The concept of divine judgment, wrath, and affliction are inherent in the usage of πλήσσω, placing it within a theological framework of God's sovereign power to intervene in creation and human affairs with severe consequences.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πλήσσω (plḗssō, `{{G4141}}`) in the New Testament is profound, despite its limited occurrences. It serves as a powerful descriptor of God's active involvement in judgment, particularly in the eschatological narrative of Revelation.
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment**: The use of πλήσσω emphasizes God's absolute authority and power to inflict severe, often destructive, blows upon creation and humanity. It is not a passive observation of consequences but an active, decisive intervention. This "smiting" is purposeful, demonstrating that God is not merely a distant observer but an active participant in history, bringing about His divine will.
2. **Severity of Divine Wrath**: The term conveys the intensity and gravity of God's wrath against sin. The "smiting" is not light chastisement but a forceful, impactful blow that causes significant disruption and suffering, as seen in the darkening of celestial bodies or the unleashing of plagues. This underscores the seriousness of rebellion against God and the dire consequences that follow.
3. **Fulfillment of Prophecy**: In Revelation, πλήσσω describes events that are part of God's preordained plan for the end times. The "smiting" of the sun, moon, and stars, and the power to "smite the earth with plagues," are fulfillments of prophetic warnings, signaling the culmination of God's dealings with humanity before the final consummation.
4. **Consequences of Unrepentance**: While God is merciful, πλήσσω highlights the inevitable consequences for those who remain unrepentant. The plagues inflicted upon the earth are designed to lead to repentance, but for those who harden their hearts, the "smiting" continues to bring escalating judgment.
In essence, πλήσσω is a verb of divine action, signifying God's righteous and unyielding judgment, delivered with compelling force and leading to significant, often catastrophic, outcomes in the unfolding of His ultimate plan.
### Summary
The Greek verb πλήσσω (plḗssō, `{{G4141}}`) signifies "to strike with force" or "to inflict calamity." Though rare in the New Testament, its exclusive appearances in Revelation are highly significant. It consistently describes powerful, divinely ordained acts of judgment, such as the "smiting" of celestial bodies that leads to darkness ([[Revelation 8:12]]) or the empowerment of witnesses to "smite the earth with all plagues" ([[Revelation 11:6]]). This term underscores God's sovereign power to inflict severe, destructive blows as part of His eschatological plan and righteous judgment. Its close relationship with the noun πληγή (plēgē, `{{G4127}}`), meaning "a plague" or "a blow," further emphasizes that the action of πλήσσω directly results in the calamities experienced by creation and humanity in the final days. The theological import of πλήσσω thus lies in its portrayal of God's active, decisive, and severe intervention in judgment against sin.
TRV