from a derivative of a primary (to let fall, "rap"); to slap:--smite (with the palm of the hand). Compare τύπτω.
Transliteration:rhapízō
Pronunciation:hrap-id'-zo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ῥαπίζω (rhapízō, `{{G4474}}`) fundamentally means "to slap" or "to strike with the palm of the hand." Its etymological root suggests a sudden, sharp impact, akin to a "rap." This precise definition distinguishes it from more general terms for striking. While `{{G5180}}` (túptō) means "to strike" or "to beat" in a broader sense, rhapízō specifies the *manner* of the blow: an open-handed strike. This nuance is crucial, as a slap in ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman cultures was not merely a physical assault but a profound act of insult, humiliation, and public shaming, often directed at slaves or those deemed contemptible. It asserts power and conveys utter disrespect.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of ῥαπίζω (rhapízō) and its related noun form ῥάπισμα (rhapisma, "a slap") in the New Testament are concentrated almost exclusively in the Passion narratives of Jesus, highlighting the specific nature of the abuse He endured:
* **[[Matthew 26:67]]**: "Then they spit in His face and beat Him; and others slapped Him with the palms of their hands." Here, ῥαπίζω is used alongside `{{G2852}}` (kolaphízō, "to strike with the fist"), indicating a variety of assaults. The slap emphasizes the deliberate humiliation and mockery Jesus faced from the Sanhedrin.
* **[[Mark 14:65]]**: "And some began to spit on Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him with their fists, and to say to Him, 'Prophesy!' And the officers received Him with slaps." This passage uses the noun ῥάπισμα (rhapisma), confirming the nature of the blows as open-handed slaps. The context is one of intense mockery and abuse by the temple guards.
* **[[John 18:22]]**: "When He had said this, one of the officers standing by slapped Jesus, saying, 'Is that the way You answer the high priest?'" Again, the noun ῥάπισμα is employed. This particular instance underscores the insolence and contempt shown towards Jesus, challenging His right to speak freely and asserting the supposed authority of the high priest.
In each instance, the "slap" is not merely a physical blow but a deeply symbolic act of degradation, intended to strip Jesus of dignity and authority in the eyes of His accusers and onlookers. It was a public display of scorn and an attempt to break His spirit.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G5180}}` (túptō):** A more general term for "to strike, hit, or beat," encompassing a wider range of physical actions. ῥαπίζω is a specific subset of túptō.
* **`{{G2852}}` (kolaphízō):** Meaning "to strike with the fist" or "to cuff," this word often appears alongside ῥαπίζω in the Passion narratives. While both inflict pain, kolaphízō suggests a more forceful, perhaps less humiliating, blow, whereas ῥαπίζω carries the distinct connotation of insult.
* **Humiliation and Shame:** The act of slapping, especially in public, was a potent symbol of dishonor in ancient cultures. It was a deliberate attempt to debase and ridicule the victim.
* **Suffering and Mockery:** The word is inextricably linked to the multifaceted suffering of Christ, encompassing not only physical pain but also profound emotional and psychological torment through mockery and public disgrace.
### Theological Significance
The repeated use of ῥαπίζω and ῥάπισμα in the accounts of Jesus' Passion carries profound theological weight:
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The slaps inflicted upon Jesus directly fulfill the prophecies of the Suffering Servant in the Old Testament, particularly [[Isaiah 50:6]]: "I gave My back to those who strike Me, And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting." The "cheeks" being exposed to such indignity finds its precise fulfillment in the slaps Jesus received.
* **Depth of Atonement:** Jesus' willing endurance of such demeaning and humiliating treatment underscores the comprehensive nature of His atoning work. He not only bore the physical pain of humanity's sin but also the shame, dishonor, and indignity that sin justly brings. His kenosis (self-emptying) extended to the lowest forms of public degradation.
* **Divine Meekness and Patience:** In the face of these profound insults, Jesus remained silent and did not retaliate, exemplifying divine patience and meekness ([[Isaiah 53:7]]). His non-resistance in the face of such abuse demonstrates His supreme control and His unwavering commitment to the Father's will, transforming an act of human contempt into a display of divine love and endurance.
* **Injustice and Mockery of Kingship:** The slaps highlight the profound injustice of Jesus' trial and the ironic mockery directed at the true King of Kings. The very act designed to strip Him of dignity paradoxically affirmed His divine authority through His passive obedience and suffering love.
### Summary
The Greek word ῥαπίζω (rhapízō, `{{G4474}}`), meaning "to slap" or "to strike with the palm of the hand," is a term laden with theological significance due to its prominent role in the New Testament accounts of Jesus' Passion. Distinct from more general terms for striking like `{{G5180}}` (túptō) or `{{G2852}}` (kolaphízō), rhapízō specifically denotes an act of profound insult, humiliation, and public shaming.
Biblical occurrences in [[Matthew 26:67]], [[Mark 14:65]], and [[John 18:22]] consistently place these slaps within the context of the abuse Jesus endured during His trial. These were not mere physical blows but deliberate acts of degradation, intended to strip Him of His dignity and mock His claims.
Theologically, ῥαπίζω powerfully illustrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Suffering Servant ([[Isaiah 50:6]]). It underscores the comprehensive nature of Christ's atonement, where He willingly bore not only the physical pain but also the profound shame and indignity of humanity's sin. Jesus' patient endurance in the face of such demeaning treatment exemplifies divine meekness and unwavering obedience, transforming an act of human contempt into a profound demonstration of His redemptive love and sovereign authority. The "slap" thus stands as a poignant symbol of the injustice He absorbed and the boundless humility that secured salvation.
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