λιθόστρωτος (lithostrōtos)
lithostrōtos
The Stone Pavement
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective lithostrōtos describes a surface paved with stones, specifically referring to a tessellated or mosaic pavement. In the New Testament, it appears only once as a substantive noun, τὸ λιθόστρωτον, identifying "The Stone Pavement" in John 19:13. This location is situated near the praetorium, where Pilate presented Jesus to the crowd.
The term derives from lithos ("stone") and a root meaning to spread or pave. Its usage in this single verse highlights the stark, hard setting of Jesus’ trial, contrasting with the softness often associated with mercy. The pavement’s rough, geometric texture underscores the gravity of the moment before the crucifixion.
While the word itself is simple, its context carries significant weight. It marks the physical ground where the decision for Jesus’ fate was made public. The specificity of this architectural detail in John’s Gospel invites readers to visualize the scene with clarity and solemnity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word lithostrōtos points to the hard, paved ground where Jesus stood before Pilate. It is not a place of comfort or ease, but a stark setting for a moment of immense gravity. This detail invites us to see the reality of Christ’s suffering in tangible terms.
For your faith, this image reminds us that God entered into the hardest places of human history. He did not avoid the rough edges of injustice or the coldness of political power. Instead, He stood firm on that stone pavement, offering Himself for you.
When life feels unyielding or unjust, remember that Jesus knows these textures. He walked through the harshest trials so that you might find grace in your own struggles. His presence turns even the hardest ground into a place of hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] Stone Pavement,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Λιθόστρωτον,1×
Key Verses
-
John 19:13
When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called “The Pavement”, but in Hebrew, “Gabbatha.”
This verse identifies the specific location where Pilate presented Jesus, grounding the trial in a real, physical setting that emphasizes the public nature of the condemnation.