The Greek word rhápisma, represented by G4475, refers to a slap or a strike with the palm of the hand. It is derived from ῥαπίζω and appears 4 times across 3 unique verses in scripture, specifically denoting an act of physical assault and humiliation.
In the biblical narrative, G4475 is used exclusively to describe the physical abuse Jesus endures during his passion. An officer struck Jesus with the palm of his hand G4475 in response to his testimony before the high priest John 18:22. Similarly, after being mockingly hailed as "King of the Jews," the soldiers smote him with their hands G4475 John 19:3. The word is also used to describe the servants who, after others had spat on and buffeted Jesus, did strike him with the palms of their hands G4475 Mark 14:65.
Several related words are used alongside G4475 to describe the contempt and violence shown to Christ:
- G1325 dídōmi (to give): While this word has a wide application, it is used with G4475 to form the phrase "to give a slap," as when an officer struck Jesus G1325 with the palm of his hand G4475 John 18:22.
- G1716 emptýō (to spit at or on): This act of extreme disrespect is directly linked to the physical assaults. In the same scene, some began to spit G1716 on Jesus before the servants struck him Mark 14:65.
- G2852 kolaphízō (to rap with the fist): This term for buffeting appears in sequence with spitting and being slapped, illustrating the series of abuses Jesus suffered. They began to buffet G2852 him, and then the servants struck him Mark 14:65.
The theological weight of G4475 is found in its specific and repeated use during the passion of Christ.
- Embodiment of Contempt: The act of a slap, G4475, is not merely a violent act but one of profound personal humiliation and mockery, delivered in response to Jesus's claims of identity and authority (John 18:22, John 19:3).
- Component of Suffering: This word is consistently found in passages that detail the series of abuses Christ endured. It is listed alongside being spat upon G1716 and buffeted G2852, forming a picture of the full measure of his suffering Mark 14:65.
- Act of Mockery: The soldiers strike him with their hands G4475 immediately after sarcastically hailing him as "King of the Jews," making the slap a physical punctuation to their verbal scorn John 19:3.
In summary, G4475 is a precise term that signifies more than a generic blow. It is a specific act of a slap that, in its biblical usage, is exclusively associated with the degrading treatment of Jesus. Paired with other terms of abuse, it underscores the intense personal humiliation and physical suffering that Christ faced, transforming a simple word for a slap into a poignant detail of the crucifixion narrative.
TRV