"to beat with rods; to strike with the palm of the hand, cuff, clap, Mt. 5:39; 26:67*"
Definition and meaning
to beat with rods; to strike with the palm of the hand, cuff, clap, Mt. 5:39; 26:67*
In the original Greek the word is written: ῥαπίζω
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 rhapizo (G4474) across the King James Bible.
But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
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Common questions
Strong's G4474 (rhapizo) is a Greek word that means: to beat with rods; to strike with the palm of the hand, cuff, clap, Mt. 5:39; 26:67* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word rhapizo (G4474) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4474 is rhapizo, a Greek word defined as: to beat with rods; to strike with the palm of the hand, cuff, clap, Mt. 5:39; 26:67*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
rhapizo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.