"to avenge, someone; in NT to punish, Acts 22:5; 26:11*"
Definition and meaning
to avenge, someone; in NT to punish, Acts 22:5; 26:11*
In the original Greek the word is written: τιμωρέω
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
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 timoreo (G5097) across the King James Bible.
As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.
And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
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Common questions
Strong's G5097 (timoreo) is a Greek word that means: to avenge, someone; in NT to punish, Acts 22:5; 26:11* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word timoreo (G5097) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5097 is timoreo, a Greek word defined as: to avenge, someone; in NT to punish, Acts 22:5; 26:11*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
timoreo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.