Lexical Summary kolaphizō: To strike with the fist, to buffet, to mistreat Original Word: κολαφίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Colossian. From Kolossai; a Colossaean, (i.e. Inhabitant of Colossae -- Colossian. see GREEK Kolossai Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2858: ΚολασσαεύςΚολασσαεύς, see Κολοσσαεύς. STRONGS NT 2858: ΚολοσσαεύςΚολοσσαεύς, and (so L Tr WH) Κολοσσαεύς (see the following word; in Strabo and in Inscriptions Κολοσσηνος), Κολοσσηνεως, ὁ, Vulg.Colossensis, Pliny Colossinus; Colossian, a Colossian; in the beading (and the subscription (R Tr)) of the Epistle to the Colossians. Κολαφίζω conveys the idea of striking someone with the knuckles or the clenched fist, a sharp blow intended to hurt, stun, or shame. Classical writers use it for both literal fist-blows and figurative buffeting by wind or waves. The cognate noun κολαφισμός (“a blow,” “buffeting”) shows that the root became a stock term for harsh mistreatment. Occurrences in Scripture and Related Vocabulary Although this precise form is not attested in the Greek New Testament, its verbal idea permeates several key passages through the closely related verb κολαφίζω (Strong’s 2852) and through semantically similar terms such as τύπτω (“to strike”) and ῥαπίζω (“to slap”). Notable parallels include: The absence of 2858 itself in the canonical text does not lessen its theological importance, for the acts it denotes are decisively present. Old Testament Foundations The physical humiliation of God’s servants appears repeatedly. Job’s friends “strike me on the cheek” (Job 16:10), and Micah foretells that the enemies of the Messiah will “strike the judge of Israel with a rod on the cheek” (Micah 5:1). These anticipations heighten the significance of the blows delivered to Christ during His passion. Christological Significance The abuse implied by κολαφίζω reaches its climax in the suffering of Jesus Christ. Every fist-blow fulfilled prophecy, exposing the depravity of human rebellion while simultaneously showcasing the submissive obedience of the Son. By absorbing such violence without retaliation, Christ “committed Himself to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). The motif of being buffeted underscores the voluntariness of His atonement; omnipotence chose not to retaliate so that redemption might be accomplished. Apostolic Experience and Spiritual Warfare Paul’s description of the thorn that continually “buffeted” him (2 Corinthians 12:7) shows the verb’s metaphorical reach. Physical aggression becomes a picture of ongoing spiritual hostility. The apostle’s response—boasting in weakness so that “the power of Christ may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9)—turns the image of bruising into a testimony of grace. Ethical and Pastoral Implications 1 Peter calls believers to endure unjust buffeting, echoing the example of Christ. Accepting such treatment is not passive resignation but active faith that “when you do what is right and suffer for it, you patiently endure” (1 Peter 2:20). The term therefore stands at the intersection of persecution, holiness, and witness. Historical Reception Early church commentators (e.g., Tertullian, Chrysostom) saw in every mention of buffeting a proof of Christ’s genuine humanity and a call to martyr-like perseverance. Medieval expositors often linked Paul’s figurative “buffeting” to interior trials, while Reformers emphasized the reality of satanic opposition. Practical Ministry Reflections • Persecution may come as verbal ridicule, institutional pressure, or literal violence; κολαφίζω reminds the church that none of these are foreign to the gospel story. Summary Though κολαφίζω (Strong’s 2858) itself does not surface in the New Testament text, its concept saturates the biblical narrative of redemptive suffering. From prophetic anticipation, through the passion of Christ, into apostolic ministry, and on to the contemporary church, the image of being buffeted calls God’s people to trust the righteous Judge, endure hardship, and manifest the triumph of sacrificial love. Englishman's Concordance κολλήθητι — 1 Occ.κολληθέντα — 1 Occ. κολληθέντες — 1 Occ. κολλώμενοι — 1 Occ. κολλώμενος — 2 Occ. κολλούριον — 1 Occ. κολλυβιστῶν — 3 Occ. ἐκολόβωσεν — 2 Occ. ἐκολοβώθησαν — 1 Occ. κολοβωθήσονται — 1 Occ. κόλπῳ — 1 Occ. κόλποις — 1 Occ. κόλπον — 4 Occ. κολυμβᾷν — 1 Occ. κολυμβήθρα — 2 Occ. κολυμβήθραν — 2 Occ. κολωνία — 1 Occ. κομᾷ — 2 Occ. κόμη — 1 Occ. ἐκομισάμην — 1 Occ. |
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