βλάπτω (blaptō)
blaptō
to hurt
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb blaptō means to hurt, harm, or injure. It appears in only two New Testament verses, both found in Mark and Luke. In these passages, it describes physical injury or damage that can be caused by external forces.
In Mark 16:18, the word is part of a list of signs that will accompany believers, including the ability to handle snakes and drink poison without being harmed (blaptō). Similarly, in Luke 4:35, Jesus commands an unclean spirit to come out of a man, and the spirit throws him down but does not hurt him (blaptō). These examples show blaptō referring to tangible, physical harm rather than emotional or spiritual damage.
The term is straightforward in its meaning, focusing on the idea of causing injury. Its limited use in the New Testament highlights specific moments where divine protection or authority prevents harm, emphasizing God's power over physical danger.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word blaptō appears only twice in the New Testament, and both times it describes physical injury that is prevented by divine power. In Mark 16:18, believers are promised that even if they handle dangerous animals or drink poison, it will not hurt them. This assurance highlights God’s ability to protect His people from tangible harm.
Similarly, in Luke 4:35, Jesus commands an unclean spirit to leave a man. The demon throws the man down but does not hurt him. These instances show that blaptō refers to real, physical damage, yet it is overcome by God’s authority. For your faith, this means you can trust in God’s protection when facing fear or danger.
While we may not face such extreme tests daily, the promise remains: God’s power is greater than any threat. This word reminds us that no harm can ultimately stand against His care. You are held securely in His hands, and His strength covers your weaknesses.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it will hurt,1×
- having hurt1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βλάψει,1×
- βλάψαν1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 16:18
they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will in no way hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
This verse uses blaptō to promise that believers will not be physically harmed by deadly things, showing God's protective power over physical danger.
-
Luke 4:35
Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” When the demon had thrown him down in the middle of them, he came out of him, having done him no harm.
Here, blaptō describes the demon’s failure to injure the man despite throwing him down, demonstrating Jesus’ authority over spiritual forces that cause harm.