### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb τραυματίζω (traumatízō, `{{G5135}}`) is directly derived from the noun τραῦμα (trauma, `{{G5134}}`), which signifies a "wound," "hurt," or "injury." Consequently, the core meaning of τραυματίζω is "to inflict a wound," "to cause an injury," or "to wound someone." It denotes the act of causing physical damage or harm to a living being. In its biblical usage, the term consistently refers to literal, physical wounds, often severe enough to incapacitate or endanger life. It does not carry the broader psychological connotations of "traumatize" as understood in modern English, but rather focuses on direct physical assault and its resultant bodily damage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb τραυματίζω appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, invariably describing the infliction of physical injury in violent contexts.
* **The Parable of the Good Samaritan:** The most prominent occurrence is found in [[Luke 10:30]]. Jesus narrates the story of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho who "fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead." The Greek text explicitly states that the robbers "wounded" (ἐτραυμάτισαν) him. This usage vividly portrays a brutal physical assault, highlighting the victim's extreme vulnerability and desperate need for aid. The severity of the wounds is emphasized by the man being left "half dead."
* **The Sons of Sceva:** Another significant instance is in [[Acts 19:16]]. Here, the seven sons of Sceva, attempting to exorcise a demon without genuine spiritual authority, are violently attacked by a demon-possessed man. The text states that the man "leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and and wounded" (τετραυματισμένοι). This context again depicts physical injury resulting from a violent and unexpected encounter, underscoring the physical dangers inherent in spiritual warfare undertaken presumptuously.
In both biblical occurrences, τραυματίζω describes the direct consequence of a violent act, leading to significant physical harm and placing the injured party in a state of helplessness or distress. The term consistently points to external, inflicted injury rather than internal or emotional distress.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **τραῦμα (trauma, `{{G5134}}`):** The direct noun from which τραυματίζω is derived, meaning "a wound" or "injury." The verb describes the act of causing this noun.
* **πλήσσω (plēssō, `{{G4141}}`):** To strike, smite, or wound. This term is broader, focusing on the action of striking, which may or may not result in a severe wound, whereas τραυματίζω specifically denotes the outcome of a wound.
* **τύπτω (typtō, `{{G5180}}`):** To strike, beat, or hit. Similar to πλήσσω, it describes the act of striking. τραυματίζω emphasizes the resultant injury's severity.
* **μάστιξ (mastix, `{{G3148}}`):** A whip, scourge, or a severe bodily affliction. While τραυματίζω describes the *act* of wounding, μάστιξ can refer to the instrument or the resulting affliction, often implying a deep or lasting injury.
* **Healing and Compassion:** The concept of wounding in the New Testament often serves as a backdrop for divine or human acts of healing and compassion. The Good Samaritan's action of binding the man's wounds (Luke 10:34) stands in stark contrast to the act of wounding, highlighting the call to mercy and restoration.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of τραυματίζω extends beyond its literal meaning to encompass profound truths about human brokenness, divine compassion, and the nature of spiritual reality.
* **Human Vulnerability and the Reality of Evil:** The use of τραυματίζω in the parable of the Good Samaritan vividly portrays the human condition in a fallen world – susceptible to violence, exploitation, and suffering. It highlights the stark reality of evil and the capacity for humans to inflict grievous harm upon one another. The "wounded" man symbolizes humanity's desperate need for rescue and healing from the ravages of sin and indifference.
* **The Call to Compassion and Neighborly Love:** The parable's central message pivots on the response to the "wounded" man. The priest and Levite, representing religious authority, fail to act, demonstrating a lack of genuine compassion. In contrast, the Samaritan, an outsider, embodies true neighborly love by tending to the man's wounds. This underscores the theological imperative for active, sacrificial love towards those who are suffering and injured, reflecting God's own merciful character. It challenges believers to move beyond ritualistic piety to practical, empathetic care for the afflicted.
* **Spiritual Authority and Protection:** The incident in Acts 19, where the sons of Sceva are "wounded" by a demon-possessed man, serves as a stark warning regarding spiritual warfare. It illustrates that spiritual forces can indeed inflict physical harm and that true spiritual authority, derived from genuine faith in Christ, is essential for protection and victory in such encounters. Attempting to wield spiritual power without divine authorization leads to vulnerability and suffering.
* **Implicit Connection to Christ's Suffering:** While τραυματίζω is not directly used to describe Christ's wounds on the cross, the concept of being "wounded" is central to the Christian understanding of atonement. The prophecy in Isaiah 53:5, "But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities," speaks of the suffering Servant who bears humanity's sin and its consequences. Christ's physical suffering, culminating in His crucifixion, involves profound wounding, transforming the meaning of human suffering and offering ultimate healing through His sacrifice.
### Summary
τραυματίζω (traumatízō, `{{G5135}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to inflict a wound" or "to cause physical injury," directly derived from the noun τραῦμα (trauma, `{{G5134}}`). In the New Testament, its occurrences consistently describe literal, physical harm resulting from violent encounters, as exemplified in [[Luke 10:30]] (the man attacked by robbers) and [[Acts 19:16]] (the sons of Sceva attacked by a demon-possessed man). The word highlights human vulnerability to violence and the harsh realities of a fallen world. Theologically, τραυματίζω underscores the profound need for compassion and intervention for those who are suffering, as powerfully demonstrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan. It also serves as a reminder of the dangers of spiritual warfare and the necessity of true divine authority. Ultimately, while not directly applied to Christ's crucifixion, the concept of being wounded is intrinsically linked to the redemptive suffering of the Messiah, who bore wounds for the spiritual healing of humanity, thereby transforming the meaning of suffering and calling believers to a life of empathetic love and restoration.
TRV