Lexical Summary lithazó: To stone, to pelt with stones Original Word: λιθάζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance stone. From lithos; to lapidate -- stone. see GREEK lithos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom lithos Definition to throw stones, to stone NASB Translation stone (4), stoned (4), stoning (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3034: λιθάζωλιθάζω: 1 aorist ἐλίθασα; 1 aorist passive ἐλιθάσθην; (λίθος); to stone; i. e., a. to overwhelm or bury with stones, (lapidibus cooperio, Cicero): τινα, of stoning, which was a Jewish mode of punishment (cf. Winers RWB under the word Steinigung; (B. D. under the word b. to pelt one with stones, in order either to wound or to kill him: Acts 14:19; passive, Acts 5:26 (cf. Winers Grammar, 505 (471); Buttmann, 242 (208)); 2 Corinthians 11:25. (Aristotle, Polybius, Strabo; λιθάζειν ἐν λίθοις, 2 Samuel 16:6.) (Compare: καταλιθάζω.) Strong’s Greek 3034 designates the act of pelting with stones until death or serious harm results. Stoning functioned as a community-executed sanction intended to preserve covenant holiness, deter idolatry and blasphemy, and maintain corporate solidarity. By the first century the practice was regulated by synagogue leadership and often required Roman acquiescence for capital cases, yet spontaneous mob action still occurred when crowds believed divine honor was at stake. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. John 8:5 – The scribes and Pharisees appeal to Mosaic precedent: “In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do You say?” The term frames their test of Jesus’ fidelity to Torah. Johannine Emphasis on Jesus and Blasphemy John alone records four of the nine appearances. Each links attempted stoning with Jesus’ revelation of His divine identity. The escalating pattern—interrogation (John 8), attempted execution (John 10), renewed threat (John 11)—highlights the cost of self-disclosure: the Light exposes darkness, provoking lethal resistance. Lukan Portrait of Apostolic Ministry Luke employs the verb to show both potential danger (Acts 5:26) and actual violence (Acts 14:19). The juxtaposition reveals that Spirit-empowered proclamation may temporarily find civic protection but ultimately collides with entrenched unbelief. Paul’s survival after being left for dead prefigures resurrection power sustaining gospel advance. Paul’s Autobiographical Witness In 2 Corinthians 11:25 Paul treats stoning not as a misfortune but as a badge of apostolic authenticity. The incident verifies his solidarity with Christ’s sufferings and his unwavering commitment to Gentile mission despite Jewish opposition. Catalogue of the Faithful in Hebrews Hebrews 11:37 places stoning alongside other brutal deaths, reminding believers that persecution has long accompanied fidelity. The list exhorts readers to endure because the God who commends faith does not forget those who are “destitute, oppressed, and mistreated.” Old Testament Antecedent Key Pentateuchal texts require stoning for blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16), idolatry (Deuteronomy 17:2-5), and adultery (Deuteronomy 22:22-24). Prophetic narratives (1 Kings 21:13; 2 Chronicles 24:21) show the penalty turned against God’s messengers when covenant conscience was seared. The New Testament occurrences thus echo Israel’s story, exposing the tragedy of misapplied zeal while affirming prophetic continuity. Theological and Christological Significance 1. Holiness and Justice: Stoning demonstrates the gravity of sin under Divine Law. Ethical and Pastoral Implications • Courage in Witness – Believers may face violent rejection; fidelity demands readiness to bear reproach. Contemporary Application While literal stoning is rare today, the term evokes any concerted attempt to silence biblical truth. Churches must prepare believers to answer hostility with gospel grace, confident that, as in Acts and 2 Corinthians, apparent setbacks often advance the kingdom. Englishman's Concordance John 8:5 V-PNAGRK: τὰς τοιαύτας λιθάζειν σὺ οὖν NAS: commanded us to stone such women; INT: such to be stoned you therefore John 10:31 V-ASA-3P John 10:32 V-PIA-2P John 10:33 V-PIA-1P John 11:8 V-ANA Acts 5:26 V-ASP-3P Acts 14:19 V-APA-NMP 2 Corinthians 11:25 V-AIP-1S Hebrews 11:37 V-AIP-3P Strong's Greek 3034 |
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