κόλασις (kolasis)
kolasis
punishment
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kolasis refers to punishment or penalty, carrying a specific nuance of correction rather than mere retribution. In the New Testament, it appears only twice: in Matthew 25:46 regarding "eternal punishment" and in 1 John 4:18 where fear is linked to "punishment." The word suggests a disciplinary purpose, aiming to address wrongdoing or restore order, which distinguishes it from simple vengeance.
Ancient Greek thinkers like Aristotle noted a distinction between kolasis, which focuses on the improvement of the sufferer, and timoria, which focuses on satisfying the offended party. While later usage sometimes blurred this line, the biblical context retains the sense of corrective justice. Translators often render it as "punishment," though the underlying idea includes the concept of chastisement intended for moral correction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word kolasis describes a specific kind of punishment. It is not just about revenge or making someone suffer for the sake of it. Instead, this term points to discipline that has a purpose. In ancient thought, it was seen as corrective, meant to address wrongdoing and restore order rather than simply taking vengeance.
In Matthew 25:46, Jesus uses this word to describe eternal punishment. This pairing with eternal life highlights the serious reality of final judgment. Yet, the underlying concept suggests that God’s justice is never arbitrary. It is rooted in a moral framework where actions have real consequences, and truth matters deeply.
When we face difficult seasons or reflect on divine justice, this word reminds us that God’s ways are grounded in truth. We can trust that His judgments are fair and purposeful. This understanding offers comfort, knowing that the Creator cares about what is right and just.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- punishment2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κόλασιν2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 25:46
These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
This verse pairs eternal punishment with eternal life, using kolasis to define the serious consequence of rejecting God's kingdom.
-
I John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.
Here, the word links fear to punishment, showing that perfect love removes the dread associated with divine judgment.