"to strike, smite, with the fist, Mt. 26:68; Lk. 22:64; with a sword, Mk. 14:47; Jn. 18:10; to strike as a scorpion, to sting, Rev. 9:5*"
Definition and meaning
to strike, smite, with the fist, Mt. 26:68; Lk. 22:64; with a sword, Mk. 14:47; Jn. 18:10; to strike as a scorpion, to sting, Rev. 9:5*
In the original Greek the word is written: παίω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of paio (G3817) across the King James Bible.
Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.
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Common questions
Strong's G3817 (paio) is a Greek word that means: to strike, smite, with the fist, Mt. 26:68; Lk. 22:64; with a sword, Mk. 14:47; Jn. 18:10; to strike as a scorpion, to sting, Rev. 9:5* It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word paio (G3817) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3817 is paio, a Greek word defined as: to strike, smite, with the fist, Mt. 26:68; Lk. 22:64; with a sword, Mk. 14:47; Jn. 18:10; to strike as a scorpion, to sting, Rev. 9:5*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
paio is a Greek word found in the New Testament.