ῥαπίζω (rhapizō)
rhapizō
to slap
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb rhapizō describes a sharp, physical blow delivered with the palm of the hand. It is a rare word in the New Testament, appearing only twice, both within the Gospel of Matthew. The term conveys a sudden strike, often associated with humiliation or anger rather than calculated combat.
Its usage highlights the intensity of the offense. In Matthew 5:39, Jesus references being rhapizō’d on the right cheek, an act likely intended to insult or degrade. Later, at his trial in Matthew 26:67, soldiers strike him with this same motion before mocking him. The sources note that while earlier Greek might use related roots for striking with a rod, this specific verb points to the open-hand slap.
This distinction matters because a slap carries different social weight than a punch or a blow from a weapon. It is an intimate violence, often inflicted by someone in authority or by peers asserting dominance. By naming this specific action, the text captures the degrading nature of the treatment Jesus received, setting the stage for his teaching on non-retaliation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rhapizō describes a sharp slap delivered with an open hand. In the first century, this was not just a physical hit but a deliberate act of humiliation. It was often used by someone in authority to put another person in their place, stripping them of dignity and status. Jesus mentions this specific type of strike when He teaches His followers not to retaliate against evil.
When we face insults or unfair treatment today, it is natural to want to defend our pride. This teaching invites us to break that cycle. By refusing to strike back, we show that our worth comes from God, not from how others treat us. It is a difficult path, but one that reflects the character of Christ, who endured suffering without returning insult for insult.
Remember that you are valued deeply by your Creator. You do not need to prove your strength through revenge. Instead, trust in His justice and let peace guide your response when others act with anger or pride.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- strike1×
- slapped [Him]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ῥαπίζει1×
- ἐράπισαν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:39
But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Jesus uses this specific term for a slap to illustrate the extreme nature of non-retaliation, challenging followers to respond to humiliation with grace rather than revenge.
-
Matthew 26:67
Then they spat in his face and beat him with their fists, and some slapped him,
The soldiers use this intimate violence to degrade Jesus during His trial, highlighting the depth of His suffering and the injustice He faced before His crucifixion.