πατάσσω (patassō)
patassō
to strike
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb patassō describes the physical act of striking or smiting. In the New Testament, it appears ten times, often depicting sudden violence such as Peter cutting off a servant’s ear in Luke 22:50 or the guards striking Jesus’ face in Matthew 26:67. The word carries a sense of forceful impact, whether directed at a person or an object, as seen when an angel strikes Herod Agrippa with disease in Acts 12:23.
Its usage extends beyond physical blows to include divine judgment. In Revelation, John uses patassō to describe plagues and afflictions sent by God, such as the plague of boils or the smiting of the sea into blood. This metaphorical application links physical violence with spiritual consequences, suggesting that divine discipline can be as tangible and severe as a human strike. The term does not imply a gentle touch but rather a decisive, often painful, contact.
Etymologically, patassō is likely an intensive form of a root meaning to beat or strike. This intensification underscores the finality of the action. Translators typically render it as "strike," "smite," or "afflict" depending on context. The consistency of this translation reflects the word’s clear, unambiguous nature in Scripture, where it serves as a stark reminder of both human violence and divine sovereignty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word patassō describes a decisive, forceful impact. It appears in Scripture to depict sudden violence, such as Peter cutting off a servant’s ear, or divine judgment, like the angel striking Herod. These instances remind us that actions have weight and consequences, whether human or heavenly.
Yet this word also carries hope. In Luke 22:50, the strike is part of a chaotic night, but Jesus remains in control. Later, an angel strikes Peter to wake him for freedom (Acts 12:7). God uses force not only to judge but to rescue, breaking chains and calling us to stand up quickly.
When life feels heavy or unjust, remember that no strike is outside God’s sight. He sees the violence done to others and the pain we endure. His justice is sure, but so is His mercy. We can trust that He works all things, even difficult moments, toward our good and His glory.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- struck2×
- I will strike2×
- will we strike1×
- to strike1×
- having struck down1×
- having struck1×
- He may strike down1×
- Having struck1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πατάξας3×
- ἐπάταξεν2×
- πατάξω2×
- πατάξῃ1×
- πατάξομεν1×
- πατάξαι1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 26:31
Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
Jesus quotes Zechariah to show that the strike on the shepherd is a prophetic fulfillment, not random violence.
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Luke 22:50
A certain one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
This verse captures the suddenness of human violence during Jesus' arrest, highlighting the chaos of the moment.
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Acts 12:7
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Stand up quickly!” His chains fell off his hands.
Here the strike is gentle yet firm, serving as a wake-up call for deliverance rather than punishment.
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Revelation of John 19:15
Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He treads the wine press of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty.
The image of striking nations with a sword symbolizes Christ’s ultimate authority and final judgment over evil.