δέρω (derō)
derō
to beat up
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb dero means to strip off the skin or hide, a literal action that carries a violent metaphorical weight in Scripture. While its primary sense is flaying, as seen in Old Testament sacrificial preparations, the New Testament uses it to describe severe physical beating. This usage appears frequently in the Gospels and Acts, painting a stark picture of the abuse Jesus and his followers endured.
Translators typically render dero as "beat," "flog," or "strip." In Mark 12:3-5 and Luke 20:10-11, it describes the violent treatment of servants sent to a vineyard, while Acts 5:40 records the apostles being flogged before release. Paul also uses the image in 1 Corinthians 9:26, comparing his disciplined life to someone who does not box like one who beats the air, highlighting the intensity of physical exertion and suffering.
The word’s force lies in its graphic nature; it implies stripping away protection and causing deep pain. By choosing this term, the biblical authors emphasize the brutality faced by early Christians, from Jesus’ mockery before his trial to the apostles’ imprisonment. It serves as a raw reminder of the physical cost of faithfulness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word derō describes a violence that strips away protection and inflicts deep pain. In the New Testament, it appears in accounts of Jesus being beaten by those who held Him (Luke 22:63) and the apostles flogged for preaching the Gospel (Acts 5:40). This graphic term reminds us that following Christ often involves real suffering and opposition from a world hostile to His name.
Yet this harsh reality does not define our final story. The early believers endured these beatings with joy, seeing them as participation in the sufferings of their Lord. When you face hardship or rejection for your faith, remember that you are in good company. Your endurance is a powerful testimony to those around you.
God sees every instance of unjust treatment. He does not overlook the pain caused by others, nor does He leave you to bear it alone. His presence accompanies you through the storm, offering strength when your own resources fail and hope when the path seems dark.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will be beaten with2×
- having beaten2×
- you will be beaten1×
- they beat,1×
- they beat [him]1×
- strikes.1×
- strike you?1×
- having beaten [him]1×
- beating;1×
- beating,1×
- beating [Him].1×
- beating1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δείραντες4×
- δαρήσεται2×
- ἔδειραν,1×
- ἔδειραν1×
- δέρων·1×
- δέρων1×
- δέροντες.1×
- δέροντες,1×
- δέρεις;¶1×
- δέρει.1×
- δαρήσεσθε1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 22:63
The men who held Jesus mocked him and beat him.
This verse shows Jesus personally enduring derō, validating the suffering of all who follow Him.
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Acts 5:40
They agreed with him. Summoning the apostles, they beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
The apostles are beaten specifically for refusing to stop speaking in Jesus' name, linking the violence directly to faithful witness.
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Mark 13:9
“But watch yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils. You will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them.
Jesus warns His followers that they will be beaten in synagogues, preparing them for the cost of discipleship.