Lexical Summary anetazó: To examine, to question, to investigate thoroughly. Original Word: ἀνετάζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance examine, investigateFrom ana and etazo (to test); to investigate (judicially) -- (should have) examined(-d). see GREEK ana NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ana and etazó (to examine) Definition to examine judicially NASB Translation examine (1), examined (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 426: ἀνετάζωἀνετάζω; present passive ἀνετάζομαι; (ἐτάζω to examine, test); to investigate, examine; τινα, to examine judicially: Acts 22:24, 29. (Judges 6:29 manuscript Alex.; Susanna (i. e. Daniel (Theod.) at the beginning) 14; (Anaph. Pilati A 6, p. 417, Tischendorf edition). Not found in secular authors.) Topical Lexicon Root concept and scope The verb conveys an official, coercive examination aimed at extracting information or a confession, typically through beating or torture. It does not describe casual inquiry but a state-authorized procedure in which physical pain is viewed as a legitimate investigative tool. Occurrences in the New Testament Acts 22:24 records the Roman chiliarch’s order: “the commander ordered that he be brought into the barracks and instructed that he be examined by scourging, so that he could learn why the people were shouting against him.” Acts 22:29 continues, “Those who were about to examine him withdrew at once, and the commander himself was alarmed when he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and he had bound him.” Both instances appear in the same narrative episode, underscoring the term’s judicial flavor and its immediate cessation once Paul claims lawful protection. First-century judicial background Roman procedure distinguished sharply between citizens and non-citizens. Non-citizens could be tortured in the quest for truth; citizens were ordinarily exempt. The very proposal to scourge Paul before trial betrays (1) the routine nature of such violence toward provincials, and (2) the chiliarch’s ignorance of Paul’s status. When Paul invokes his citizenship, the legal machinery halts, illustrating Rome’s grudging respect for codified rights even in an occupied land. Theological significance 1. Divine sovereignty over civil authority. Paul’s birthright becomes an instrument through which God preserves His apostle for future ministry in Rome (Acts 23:11). The narrative shows that even pagan legal systems can be turned to protect God’s servants until their appointed work is done. Historical echoes and parallels • Jesus Himself is scourged under Pontius Pilate (John 19:1), illustrating Rome’s willingness to use such methods when citizenship protections do not apply. Practical ministry applications • Advocacy: Paul’s appeal encourages believers to use lawful means to protect life and liberty when possible, not as an act of cowardice but as stewardship of God-given rights. Related biblical themes Justice: Deuteronomy 25:1–3 sets limits on corporal punishment; Proverbs 17:26 warns against flogging the innocent. Truth and testimony: Luke 12:11–12 promises Spirit-given words when believers stand before authorities. Human dignity: Genesis 1:26 implies inherent worth, violated when bodies are used as instruments for forced confession. Summary Strong’s Greek 426 centers on state-sponsored interrogation by scourging. In Acts 22 it frames a dramatic encounter where Paul’s legal standing thwarts injustice, revealing God’s providence, exposing the brutality of worldly power, and providing lasting instruction on the believer’s conduct, suffering, and reliance on divine oversight amid hostile inquiry. Forms and Transliterations ανεταζειν ἀνετάζειν ανεταζεσθαι ανετάζεσθαι ἀνετάζεσθαι ανήταζον anetazein anetázein anetazesthai anetázesthaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 22:24 V-PNM/PGRK: εἴπας μάστιξιν ἀνετάζεσθαι αὐτὸν ἵνα NAS: stating that he should be examined by scourging KJV: that he should be examined by scourging; INT: having directed by flogging to be examined him that Acts 22:29 V-PNA Strong's Greek 426 |