a primary verb; properly, to hinder, i.e. (by implication) to injure:--hurt.
Transliteration:bláptō
Pronunciation:blap'-to
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb βλάπτω (bláptō), Strong's `{{G984}}`, is a primary verb whose core meaning encompasses both the act of hindering and, by implication, the consequence of injury or harm. Properly, it denotes the act of impeding or obstructing something or someone. From this foundational sense, it extends to the idea of causing damage or hurt, as an obstruction can lead to negative physical or functional impairment. Thus, its semantic range moves from a preventative or obstructive action to a detrimental outcome, signifying an active, adverse effect rather than a passive state of damage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb βλάπτω (bláptō) appears only once in the New Testament, making its singular occurrence particularly significant for understanding its biblical nuance.
* **[[Luke 4:35]]**: "And Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Hold your peace, and come out of him.' And when the demon had thrown him down in the midst, it came out of him, having **hurt** him nothing." (καὶ οὐδὲν αὐτὸν βλάψαν).
* In this pivotal passage, Jesus is casting out a demon from a man in the synagogue. The demon, in its final act of defiance and malice, throws the man down. However, the text explicitly states that it "hurt him nothing" (οὐδὲν αὐτὸν βλάψαν). Here, βλάπτω clearly conveys the meaning of "to injure" or "to harm." The demon's intent was to inflict damage, perhaps to assert its power or to cause a final act of suffering, but it was utterly thwarted by the superior authority of Jesus. This use highlights the complete inability of demonic power to inflict lasting or true harm when confronted by divine command.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate βλάπτω (bláptō), it is helpful to consider words with related semantic fields:
* **Synonyms for "harm/injure":**
* `{{G91}}` (ἀδικέω - adikéō): To do wrong, to injure, to deal unjustly with.
* `{{G2559}}` (κακοποιέω - kakopoiéō): To do evil, to harm.
* `{{G2560}}` (κακόω - kakoó): To maltreat, to do evil to, to harm.
* `{{G3077}}` (λυμαίνομαι - lumaínomai): To outrage, to destroy, to ruin.
* **Words related to "hindrance":**
* `{{G2923}}` (κωλύω - kōlýō): To hinder, to prevent, to forbid. While βλάπτω implies hindrance *leading to harm*, κωλύω is a more general term for preventing an action.
* **Conceptual Links:** The term βλάπτω in its biblical context is intrinsically linked to concepts of divine protection, the destructive intent of evil, and the ultimate impotence of spiritual adversaries in the face of Christ's authority. It stands in contrast to words signifying preservation, healing, and deliverance.
### Theological Significance
The singular New Testament occurrence of βλάπτω (bláptō) in [[Luke 4:35]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus Christ's absolute sovereignty over all demonic forces. Even in its final, violent paroxysm, the demon's attempt to inflict harm upon the man it possessed was rendered entirely ineffectual by Christ's command. This illustrates several key theological truths:
1. **Christ's Supreme Authority:** Jesus' word alone is sufficient not only to expel evil but also to nullify its destructive potential.
2. **Divine Protection:** The incident underscores Christ's role as protector and deliverer. Those under His authority are shielded from the true and lasting harm that spiritual wickedness intends.
3. **The Impotence of Evil:** While evil forces may possess malicious intent and even temporary power, their efforts to genuinely injure or destroy those whom God protects are ultimately futile. The demon's inability to "hurt him nothing" is a testament to the comprehensive nature of Christ's deliverance. This offers a profound assurance of security for believers in Christ, affirming that no spiritual adversary can inflict ultimate damage upon them.
### Summary
The Greek verb βλάπτω (bláptō), `{{G984}}`, fundamentally means "to hinder" and, by extension, "to injure" or "to hurt." Its solitary appearance in the New Testament, found in [[Luke 4:35]], is highly illustrative. In this passage, it describes the demon's failed attempt to inflict harm upon the man from whom it was being cast out by Jesus. The declaration that the demon "hurt him nothing" (οὐδὲν αὐτὸν βλάψαν) powerfully underscores Jesus' supreme authority over demonic forces and His protective care for humanity. Though rare, the word thus carries significant theological weight, emphasizing Christ's power to deliver and preserve His people from spiritual and physical harm intended by evil, rendering their destructive efforts utterly futile in the face of divine sovereignty.
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