πληγή (plēgē)
plēgē
plague/blow/wound
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun plēgē refers to a blow, stripe, or wound inflicted by force. In the Gospels and Acts, it describes physical punishment, such as the stripes Paul endured in 2 Corinthians 11:23 or the beating of the jailer in Acts 16:23. Jesus also uses it literally when describing the wounds received by a traveler attacked by robbers (Luke 10:30) and metaphorically to illustrate the greater responsibility of those who know God’s will (Luke 12:48).
In Revelation, the word shifts to describe divine judgments as calamities or plagues. It appears frequently in this context, such as when John sees the seven last plagues poured out (Revelation 15:1) or when he warns against adding to the words of prophecy with a plague (Revelation 22:18). The beast’s fatal wound in Revelation 13:3 also uses this term, linking physical injury with catastrophic spiritual significance.
Derived from the verb plēssō, meaning to strike or smite, the word captures both the immediate impact of a blow and its lasting consequence. Translators often render it as "plague" in Revelation to convey the severity of these events, while "stripes" or "wound" is used elsewhere to highlight personal suffering.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word plēgē captures the reality of both physical injury and divine judgment. In the Gospels, it often describes the stripes or wounds inflicted on people, such as Paul enduring beatings for his faith or the jailer in Acts having his wounds washed by a newfound believer. These instances show that suffering is not always meaningless; it can be part of a deeper story of redemption and care.
In Revelation, the term shifts to describe plagues—severe judgments poured out upon the earth. This usage reminds us that God’s justice is real and that history moves toward a final resolution where wrongs are addressed. Yet, even in these stark images, there is an invitation to repentance and a call to remain faithful amidst turmoil.
For your life today, this word invites you to trust God whether you are facing personal hardship or witnessing injustice in the world. It assures us that no wound goes unnoticed, and no judgment is arbitrary. We can rest in the knowledge that God is sovereign over both our scars and the unfolding of history.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- plagues10×
- wound3×
- plague3×
- wounds,1×
- wounds1×
- of stripes1×
- blows1×
- beatings,1×
- beatings1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πληγὰς6×
- πληγῶν4×
- πληγὴ3×
- πληγαῖς2×
- πληγαὶ2×
- πληγῶν,1×
- πληγῆς1×
- πληγῇ1×
- πληγὴν1×
- πληγαῖς,1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 11:23
Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself.) I am more so: in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, and in deaths often.
Paul uses this word to emphasize the severity of his sufferings, highlighting the cost of his apostolic ministry.
-
Acts 16:33
He took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household.
The jailer washing Paul and Silas's stripes shows how physical suffering can become a bridge for spiritual transformation.
-
Revelation of John 15:1
I saw another great and marvelous sign in the sky: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them God’s wrath is finished.
This verse introduces the seven last plagues, marking the culmination of God's wrath and the completion of His plan.
-
Revelation of John 13:3
One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally. His fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled at the beast.
The beast's fatal wound that was healed serves as a deceptive sign that draws the world's attention and worship.