ῥαβδίζω (rhabdizō)
rhabdizō
to beat with a rod
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb rhabdizō describes the physical act of beating someone with a rod or staff. Its meaning is concrete and violent, referring specifically to corporal punishment using a rigid instrument rather than a general strike. The word appears only twice in the New Testament, both instances highlighting severe physical abuse.
In Acts 16:22, the term depicts the mob attacking Paul and Silas, stripping them and beating them with rods before imprisonment. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 11:25, Paul lists this action among the many hardships he endured for his ministry, noting that he was beaten with rods three times. The sources indicate a clear link to the Greek word for rod or staff (rhabdos), emphasizing the tool used in the assault.
Translators typically render this word as "beaten" or "struck with rods," preserving the specific imagery of the punishment. This lexical choice underscores the brutal reality of the apostles' suffering, distinguishing their experience from mere verbal opposition or lighter forms of discipline. The rarity of the term in Scripture focuses attention on these particular events of extreme persecution.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rhabdizō describes a specific, violent act: beating someone with a rod. It is not a gentle correction or a mild reprimand. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both times recording severe physical abuse against the apostles Paul and Silas. This concrete imagery reminds us that following Christ can involve real suffering and opposition from those who oppose the gospel.
When we read about Paul being beaten with rods in Acts 16:22 or his repeated beatings mentioned in 2 Corinthians 11:25, we see the cost of faithful witness. These verses do not glorify pain but highlight the resilience of believers who endured such treatment for their faith. The use of this strong verb underscores the brutal reality they faced, distinguishing their experience from mere verbal disagreement.
For your own life, this word offers a sobering perspective on suffering. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles, as others have walked through similar trials. While we may not face rods and beatings today, the principle remains: steadfastness in faith often meets resistance. This historical reality encourages us to stand firm, knowing that our endurance is part of a long tradition of faithful believers.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to beat with rods;1×
- I was beaten with rods,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ῥαβδίζειν·1×
- ἐρραβδίσθην,1×
Key Verses
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Acts 16:22
The multitude rose up together against them and the magistrates tore their clothes from them, then commanded them to be beaten with rods.
This verse uses the term to depict the mob's violent attack on Paul and Silas, highlighting the severity of their persecution before imprisonment.
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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 this beating among his hardships, using the word to emphasize the physical toll he endured three times for his ministry.