κεφαλαιόω (kephalaioō)
kephalaioō
to strike a head
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kephalaioō describes a violent act of striking someone on the head. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Mark 12:4, where it depicts the brutal treatment of the servant in Jesus’ parable of the wicked tenants. The imagery is specific and severe, indicating a blow intended to incapacitate or kill by targeting the most vital part of the body.
Its etymology connects directly to kephalē, meaning "head." While later Greek writers sometimes used related terms for summarizing or bringing things under headings, this particular verb retains its physical sense. It does not mean to organize ideas but to inflict a head wound, emphasizing the severity of the violence in the narrative.
Translators typically render this word as "beat," "struck," or "wounded." The choice reflects the finality of the action; it is not a mere push or slap but a decisive strike. This single occurrence highlights the extreme hostility faced by the servant, setting the stage for the parable’s conclusion about the owner’s judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kephalaioō appears only once in the New Testament, in Mark 12:4. It describes a violent act of striking someone on the head. This specific detail highlights the extreme hostility faced by the servant in Jesus’ parable of the wicked tenants. The imagery is severe, indicating a blow intended to incapacitate or kill.
For your faith, this word reminds us that following God’s messengers can lead to harsh opposition. It shows the reality of spiritual conflict and the cost of obedience. Yet, it also points to the ultimate justice of God, who will judge such wickedness. This passage encourages believers to remain steadfast, knowing that God sees every act of injustice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they struck on the head1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκεφαλίωσαν1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 12:4
Again, he sent another servant to them; and they threw stones at him, wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully treated.
This verse uses kephalaioō to describe the specific violent act of wounding the servant in the head, emphasizing the severity of the tenants' rebellion against the landowner's authority.