Lexical Summary trachélizó: To lay bare, to expose, to make naked Original Word: τραχηλίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance opened. From trachelos; to seize by the throat or neck, i.e. To expose the gullet of a victim for killing (generally, to lay bare) -- opened. see GREEK trachelos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom trachélos Definition to take by the throat, to overthrow NASB Translation laid bare (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5136: τραχηλίζωτραχηλίζω: (τράχηλος); 1. to seize and twist the neck or throat; used of combatants who handle thus their antagonists (Philo, Plutarch, Diogenes Laërt, others). 2. to bend back the neck of the victim to be slain, to lay bare or expose by bending back; hence, tropically, to lay bare, uncover, expose: perfect passive participle τετραχηλισμενος τίνι, laid bare, laid open, made manifest to one, Hebrews 4:13. Trachēlizō evokes a vivid physical picture drawn from athletics, hunting, and sacrificial ritual in the Hellenistic world. Wrestlers were said to be “neck-gripped” when pinned supine with the throat exposed; hunters used the same term for game forced to the ground; priests bared the neck of a victim before the knife. Across these venues the image is one of utter helplessness, the neck—the seat of breath and life—laid open to the will of another. Context within Hebrews 4 Hebrews 4 culminates its exhortation to enter God’s rest with a stark reminder of divine scrutiny: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). The participle τετραχηλισμένα links the promise of rest (4:1-11) to the warning against unbelief (4:12-13). The double imagery of God’s living word “piercing” and then “exposing” dismantles every pretense, leaving the reader figuratively on his back, throat bared, poised either for judgment or mercy. Theological Implications 1. Omniscience and Accountability. Trachēlizō conveys more than visibility; it signals forced vulnerability before an all-knowing Judge. Sin cannot be managed by concealment but must be dealt with by confession and repentance (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9). Christological Connection Immediately after verse 13 the epistle turns to Jesus the great High Priest (4:14-16). The believer’s exposed state drives him to the throne of grace, where a High Priest who himself submitted to ultimate vulnerability—“He humbled Himself and became obedient to death” (Philippians 2:8)—offers mercy. The neck-bared worshiper thus finds refuge, not destruction, in the sacrificial work of Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22). Related Old Testament Background • Leviticus 1:5-13 portrays the priest laying a hand on the offering’s head before its throat is cut, a scene echoed conceptually by trachēlizō. Historical Usage Outside Scripture Classical writers (e.g., Herodotus, Xenophon) use the verb for wrestlers thrown on the back or enemies dragged by the throat. Philo applies it metaphorically to souls compelled to face divine truth. These parallels accentuate Hebrews’ rhetorical force: every avenue of escape is barred; only submission remains. Pastoral and Ministry Application • Preaching: Trachēlizō underlines the necessity of conviction before comfort. Proclamation of God’s word should aim first to uncover hearts, then to point to the High Priest. Summary Strong’s Greek 5136 captures the moment a person stands defenseless before God. Hebrews employs the word once, yet it resonates through Scripture’s themes of sacrifice, judgment, and redemption. To be trachēlizō is to be stripped of illusion so that, fleeing to Christ, one may finally rest. Englishman's Concordance Hebrews 4:13 V-RPM/P-NNPGRK: γυμνὰ καὶ τετραχηλισμένα τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς NAS: are open and laid bare to the eyes KJV: and opened unto the eyes INT: [are] uncovered and laid bare to the eyes |
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