### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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