λιθάζω (lithazō)
lithazō
to stone
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb lithazō describes the act of stoning someone by pelt or overwhelming them with stones. In the New Testament, it functions as a synonym for the more common lithoboleō, referring to the same violent method of execution or attempted murder. The sources indicate that this term appears in eight verses, primarily within the Gospels of John and Acts, alongside mentions in 2 Corinthians and Hebrews.
This word captures the physical brutality of the action rather than just the legal judgment. For instance, it describes the crowd’s attempt to stone Jesus in John 8:59 and 10:31, as well as the incident in Acts 14:19 where Paul is stoned at Lystra. The passive form appears in Acts 5:26, describing how the rioters seized Stephen’s companions, and in 2 Corinthians 11:25, where Paul lists being stoned as one of his sufferings.
Its root lies in lithos, meaning stone, linking the action directly to the weapon used. While the Jewish legal system prescribed stoning for specific crimes, the biblical usage here often highlights mob violence or persecution rather than formal judicial proceedings. Translators consistently render it as "stone" or "stoned," preserving the stark imagery of this ancient punishment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word lithazō paints a stark picture of physical violence, specifically the act of stoning. In the New Testament, it appears in moments where faith meets intense hostility. We see Jesus facing mobs who pick up stones to kill Him, and later, Paul enduring the same brutal treatment for preaching the Gospel. These accounts are not just historical records of punishment; they reveal the cost of standing firm in truth when others react with fear or anger.
For your own life, this word reminds us that following Christ can sometimes lead to opposition. It does not promise a life free from conflict, but it does show that Jesus and His apostles walked through such darkness without turning away. When you face rejection or misunderstanding, remember that you are in good company. The same God who protected Jesus in those moments is present with you now.
Even in the face of such violence, the narrative points toward hope. The stones meant to silence truth only highlighted the courage of those who spoke it. Your faith is not measured by the absence of trouble, but by the peace that remains within you despite it. You are held securely, no matter how loud the opposition may seem.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- we do stone1×
- to stone1×
- they may stone1×
- they may be stoned.1×
- having stoned1×
- do you stone1×
- They were stoned,1×
- I was stoned,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐλιθάσθησαν,1×
- ἐλιθάσθην,1×
- λιθάσωσιν1×
- λιθάσαντες1×
- λιθάσαι1×
- λιθάζομέν1×
- λιθάζετε;¶1×
- λιθασθῶσιν.¶1×
Key Verses
-
John 10:31
Therefore the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
This verse shows the immediate escalation of hostility after Jesus claimed unity with the Father, using stones as a tool of attempted execution rather than legal judgment.
-
Acts 14:19
But some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.
Here the word describes a violent mob action against Paul that was so severe he was dragged out and presumed dead, highlighting the physical danger of early missionary work.
-
II Corinthians 11:25
Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I suffered shipwreck. I have been a night and a day in the deep.
Paul lists being stoned as one of his sufferings to demonstrate the tangible cost he paid for his ministry, rather than seeking glory in comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does lithazō mean in the Bible?
How is lithazō different from other words for killing?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 4 books)
John 4 verses
Therefore the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
John 10:32Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of those works do you stone me?”
John 10:33The Jews answered him, “We don’t stone you for a good work, but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself…
John 11:8The disciples asked him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just trying to stone you. Are you going there again?”