### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun τράχηλος (G5137, *tráchēlos*) primarily refers to the anatomical "neck" or "throat." Its proposed etymological connection to τρέχω (*trechō*, "to run") suggests an association with mobility and flexibility, characteristics inherent to the neck. Beyond its literal anatomical sense, *tráchēlos* can extend to figurative meanings. Most notably, it can metonymically represent "life" itself, as the neck is a vital conduit for breath and blood flow, and injuries to it are often fatal. While the Old Testament concept of a "stiff-necked" people (Hebrew: *'oreph*) conveys stubbornness and rebellion, *tráchēlos* in the New Testament does not directly carry this idiomatic meaning on its own, though the related concept of a "yoke on the neck" implies a burden or servitude that might be resisted.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
*Tráchēlos* appears six times in the New Testament, each instance offering rich contextual insight:
* **[[Matthew 18:6]]** and **[[Mark 9:42]]**: "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." Here, *tráchēlos* is used literally, describing the physical neck. The image is one of extreme, inescapable judgment, emphasizing the severity of leading a believer astray. The "millstone" (μύλος ὀνικός, a donkey-driven millstone) was immensely heavy, making the drowning certain and swift.
* **[[Luke 15:20]]**: "So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around his neck and kissed him." In this poignant parable of the Prodigal Son, *tráchēlos* again denotes the literal neck. The father's embrace around his son's neck is a powerful gesture of profound love, forgiveness, reconciliation, and unreserved welcome, signifying the complete restoration of relationship.
* **[[Acts 15:10]]**: "Now then, why do you try to test God by putting a yoke on the necks of Gentiles that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear?" Here, *tráchēlos* is part of the idiom "yoke on the neck" (ζυγὸς ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον), a figurative expression for a burdensome obligation or servitude. Peter uses it to refer to the imposition of the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision and other ceremonial requirements, upon Gentile converts. It signifies an oppressive burden that is impossible to bear, contrasting with the grace offered in Christ.
* **[[Acts 20:37]]**: "They all wept freely and threw their arms around Paul's neck and kissed him." Similar to [[Luke 15:20]], this passage describes a literal embrace around the neck, conveying deep affection, sorrow, and farewell among Paul and the Ephesian elders. It underscores the strong bonds of Christian fellowship and love.
* **[[Romans 16:4]]**: "who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but also all the churches of the Gentiles." In this instance, *tráchēlos* is used metonymically for "life" itself. Priscilla and Aquila "risked their necks," meaning they endangered their very lives for the sake of Paul. This is the most explicit figurative use of *tráchēlos* to signify "life" in the New Testament, highlighting extreme self-sacrifice and devotion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic range of *tráchēlos* connects it to several important biblical concepts:
* **Yoke**: The word ζυγός (`{{G2218}}`, "yoke") is directly associated with *tráchēlos* in [[Acts 15:10]]. A yoke, typically placed on the neck of an animal, symbolizes burden, servitude, or discipleship. In the New Testament, it often contrasts the heavy yoke of legalism with the "easy yoke" of Christ ([[Matthew 11:30]]).
* **Life/Soul**: In its metonymic use in [[Romans 16:4]], *tráchēlos* stands for ψυχή (`{{G5590}}`, "soul" or "life") or ζωή (`{{G2222}}`, "life"). This emphasizes the preciousness of life and the ultimate sacrifice one might make.
* **Stubbornness/Rebellion**: While *tráchēlos* itself does not directly mean "stiff-necked" in the NT, the concept, often expressed by σκληροκάρδια (`{{G4641}}`, "hardness of heart") or other terms, is a prominent Old Testament theme (e.g., `{{H6203}}` *'oreph*). The "yoke on the neck" in [[Acts 15:10]] subtly touches on this, as it refers to a burden that people are unwilling or unable to bear, sometimes due to resistance to God's will.
* **Affection/Reconciliation**: The act of embracing someone around the neck is a powerful cultural expression of deep love, forgiveness, and emotional connection, as seen in [[Luke 15:20]] and [[Acts 20:37]].
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of *tráchēlos* contribute to several significant theological themes:
* **Divine Justice and the Gravity of Sin**: The imagery of the millstone around the neck in [[Matthew 18:6]] and [[Mark 9:42]] serves as a stark warning about the severe consequences of causing spiritual harm to "little ones." It underscores God's protective nature over His vulnerable followers and the profound seriousness of spiritual stumbling blocks.
* **The Father's Reconciling Love**: The father's embrace of the prodigal son around the neck in [[Luke 15:20]] is a profound visual metaphor for God's boundless grace, unconditional love, and eager forgiveness towards repentant sinners. It illustrates the depth of divine compassion and the joy of restoration.
* **Freedom from Legalism**: The "yoke on the necks of the Gentiles" in [[Acts 15:10]] highlights a pivotal theological debate in early Christianity concerning the nature of salvation. Peter's argument emphasizes the liberating truth of salvation by grace through faith in Christ, distinguishing it from the oppressive burden of a legalistic adherence to the Mosaic Law. This underscores the New Covenant's emphasis on freedom and relationship over ritual and obligation.
* **Sacrificial Devotion and Christian Fellowship**: The willingness of Priscilla and Aquila to "risk their necks" for Paul in [[Romans 16:4]] exemplifies selfless love and radical devotion within the Christian community. It points to the call for believers to lay down their lives for one another, mirroring the ultimate sacrifice of Christ Himself. The embraces in [[Luke 15:20]] and [[Acts 20:37]] further emphasize the deep affection, solidarity, and emotional bonds that characterize genuine Christian fellowship.
### Summary
The Greek word τράχηλος (G5137, *tráchēlos*) primarily denotes the physical "neck." Its New Testament usage, though limited, is remarkably potent, encompassing both literal and significant figurative applications. Literally, it appears in contexts of dire judgment, symbolizing the severity of divine retribution, and in scenes of profound affection and reconciliation, illustrating the depth of love and restoration. Figuratively, *tráchēlos* represents a burdensome yoke, highlighting the liberation from legalism through Christ, and powerfully stands for "life" itself, signifying the pinnacle of sacrificial devotion. Theologically, *tráchēlos* thus serves as a multi-faceted symbol, illuminating divine justice, the boundless nature of God's love, the freedom found in grace, and the call to radical, self-giving love within the community of faith.
TRV