### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma ῥάπισμα (rhápisma, `{{G4475}}`) is a noun derived from the verb ῥαπίζω (rhapízō, `{{G4474}}`). The core meaning of ῥάπισμα is a "slap" or a "blow with the palm of the hand." This is not merely a generic strike, but specifically an open-handed blow, often implying an act of insult, contempt, or humiliation rather than simply physical injury. The nuance of a ῥάπισμα frequently extends beyond the physical impact to encompass the profound indignity and disrespect intended by the one delivering the blow. It signifies a direct, personal, and demeaning assault.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ῥάπισμα appears three times in the New Testament, exclusively within the passion narratives of Jesus Christ, highlighting a specific aspect of His suffering and humiliation:
* In [[Matthew 26:67]], during the illegal trial before the Sanhedrin, immediately following Jesus' declaration of His divine Sonship, the text states, "Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others slapped Him with the palms of their hands." Here, ῥάπισμα signifies the contemptuous and violent response of the religious authorities to what they perceived as blasphemy. It is an act of profound disrespect and mockery.
* Similarly, [[Mark 14:65]] recounts the events following Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin: "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." The ῥάπισμα here is part of a broader pattern of physical abuse and derision, emphasizing the indignity and suffering inflicted upon Jesus by those in authority.
* Finally, [[John 19:3]] places ῥάπισμα in the context of Jesus' interrogation by Pilate and the Roman soldiers: "And they kept coming to Him and saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews!' and they were giving Him slaps." In this instance, the ῥάπισμα is administered by Roman soldiers, primarily as an act of mockery and derision, parodying Jesus' claim to kingship.
In all occurrences, ῥάπισμα is inflicted upon Jesus, serving to underscore the extreme humiliation, contempt, and physical abuse He endured from both Jewish and Roman authorities. It consistently denotes an act of profound rejection and degradation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ῥαπίζω (rhapízō, `{{G4474}}`)**: This is the verbal root from which ῥάπισμα is derived. It means "to strike with the palm of the hand" or "to slap." The noun is the direct result or effect of this action.
* **κολαφίζω (kolaphizō, `{{G2852}}`)**: Meaning "to strike with the fist" or "to buffet," this verb also appears in the passion narratives ([[Matthew 26:67]], [[Mark 14:65]]) alongside or in conjunction with ῥάπισμα. While both describe physical assault, ῥάπισμα specifically denotes an open-handed slap, often carrying a stronger connotation of insult, whereas κολαφίζω suggests repeated blows with the fist.
* **τυπτῶ (typtō, `{{G5180}}`)** and **δέρω (derō, `{{G1194}}`)**: These are more general terms for "to strike" or "to beat." The specific nature of ῥάπισμα (a slap) highlights a particular form of abuse that is often more humiliating than merely physically painful.
* **Humiliation and Insult**: Beyond the physical act, ῥάπισμα is deeply intertwined with the concepts of public shaming, contempt, and the degradation of an individual. It is an assault not only on the body but profoundly on one's dignity and honor.
### Theological Significance
The repeated use of ῥάπισμα in the New Testament's passion narratives carries profound theological weight.
1. **Embodiment of Christ's Humiliation**: The ῥάπισμα vividly portrays the depth of the humiliation and suffering that Christ willingly endured. These slaps were not merely physical blows but deliberate acts of contempt and mockery, underscoring the complete degradation to which the Son of God submitted.
2. **Fulfillment of Prophecy**: The suffering described by ῥάπισμα aligns with Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering Messiah, 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 hide My face from shame and spitting." The "slaps" directly fulfill the prophecy of being struck on the cheek, emphasizing the divine plan in Christ's suffering.
3. **Passive Obedience and Love**: Jesus' patient endurance of these humiliating blows, without retaliation, exemplifies His perfect obedience to the Father's will and His boundless, sacrificial love for humanity. It stands in stark contrast to natural human reactions to such indignity, offering a profound model of patient suffering.
4. **Atoning Work**: Every act of suffering, including the ῥάπισμα, contributes to the atoning work of Christ. These specific indignities highlight the immense cost of sin and the infinite love of God demonstrated through the passion of His Son, who bore the full weight of human contempt and sin for redemption.
### Summary
The Greek word ῥάπισμα (rhápisma, `{{G4475}}`) denotes a "slap" or "blow with the palm of the hand," fundamentally conveying an act of insult and humiliation. Its exclusive appearance in the New Testament's passion narratives ([[Matthew 26:67]], [[Mark 14:65]], [[John 19:3]]) powerfully underscores the profound indignity and physical abuse inflicted upon Jesus Christ by both Jewish and Roman authorities. Theologically, ῥάπισμα serves to highlight the depths of Christ's humiliation, His perfect and passive obedience to the Father's will, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy regarding the suffering Messiah. It is a poignant reminder that every detail of His passion, even a seemingly minor act of violence like a slap, was integral to His atoning work and the demonstration of God's sacrificial love for humanity.
TRV