πελεκίζω (pelekizō)
pelekizō
to behead
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb pelekizō means to cut off with a sharp axe, specifically referring to the act of beheading. It is a stark, violent term that appears only once in the New Testament, in Revelation 20:4. The word describes the fate of those who refused to worship the beast or receive its mark, highlighting the severe cost of their faithfulness.
Its root connects directly to the Greek word for battle-axe, pelekys. This etymology gives the verb a concrete, physical weight that distinguishes it from more general words for killing or execution. By using this specific term, the text emphasizes the brutal, public nature of the martyrdom rather than just the fact of death.
Translators typically render pelekizō as "beheaded" to capture this precise image of decapitation by axe. The choice of such a harsh word in a vision about victory and reign creates a powerful contrast between earthly violence and eternal life, showing that the martyrs’ heads were cut off but their souls lived on.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pelekizō appears only once in the New Testament, carrying the heavy weight of a battle-axe. It describes the brutal execution of those who refused to bow to power that demanded their loyalty over God. This stark image reminds us that faithfulness often comes at a high cost, and that the world may respond to truth with violence.
Yet this verse does not end in death. The text tells us these individuals "lived and reigned with Christ." Their physical lives were cut short, but their witness secured an eternal victory. This offers deep comfort: no sacrifice made for Jesus is forgotten or lost. Your own struggles and stand for truth are held securely in His hands.
When you face pressure to compromise your values, remember that the cost of silence can be higher than the cost of speaking out. God sees the courage it takes to remain faithful. You are part of a long line of witnesses who trusted Him even when the outcome was uncertain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- beheaded1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πεπελεκισμένων1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 20:4
I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and such as didn’t worship the beast nor his image, and didn’t receive the mark on their forehead and on their hand. They lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
This is the only New Testament occurrence, linking the specific act of beheading to those who refused the beast's mark.