Lexical Summary trachélos: Neck Original Word: τράχηλος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance neck. Probably from trecho (through the idea of mobility); the throat (neck), i.e. (figuratively) life -- neck. see GREEK trecho NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably from trachus Definition the neck NASB Translation embraced* (2), neck (4), necks (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5137: τράχηλοςτράχηλος, τραχήλου, ὁ (allied with τρέχω; named from its movableness; cf. Vanicek, p. 304),fr. Euripides, and Aristophanes down, the Sept. chiefly for צַוָּאר, also for עֹרֶף, etc., the neck: Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42; Luke 15:20; Luke 17:2; Acts 15:10; Acts 20:37; τόν ἑαυτοῦ τράχηλον ὑποτιθεναι (namely, ὑπό τόν σίδηρον) (A. V. to lay down one's own neck i. e.) to be ready to incur the most imminent peril to life, Romans 16:4. Topical Lexicon Overview of New Testament Usage The Greek word τράχηλος (Strong’s 5137) appears seven times in the New Testament. Its literal sense is “neck,” yet each context develops rich theological motifs—judgment, liberation, reconciliation, and sacrificial service—revealing how a single bodily image can illuminate the gospel’s multifaceted message. Symbol of Severe Judgment Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42; Luke 17:2 The Lord warns that leading “little ones” into sin merits a punishment so dreadful that “it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea” (Matthew 18:6). The neck—lifeline between head and body—becomes the very point of condemnation. The image conveys: Pastoral implication: ministry must vigilantly guard children and new believers, ensuring teaching and conduct that foster growth rather than stumbling. Yoke, Bondage, and Freedom in Christ At the Jerusalem Council Peter asks, “Why do you test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?” Legalistic requirements are portrayed as a wooden yoke clamped on the neck—an instrument of control and drudgery. In contrast, Christ’s yoke is “easy” (Matthew 11:30). The passage teaches: Application: churches today must resist adding man-made burdens to the gospel, remembering that salvation is by grace through faith alone. Reconciliation and Covenant Love The father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son “embraced him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20). Likewise, the Ephesian elders “embraced Paul and kissed him” (Acts 20:37). In both scenes the neck is the point of affectionate embrace, highlighting: Pastoral application: authentic ministry expresses tangible affection, reflecting the Father’s heart toward repentant sinners and the family warmth among redeemed saints. Self-Sacrifice for the Gospel Priscilla and Aquila “risked their lives for me” (literally, “laid down their necks”). The neck symbolizes the most vulnerable place exposed in combat or execution. Their willingness to forfeit life underscores: Ministry lesson: gospel work often advances through believers who intentionally place themselves in harm’s way for others. Historical and Cultural Background 1. Ancient executions sometimes involved weights tied to the neck before drowning—a judicial image Jesus’ audience readily understood. Ministry Applications • Guard the flock—teachers carry grave responsibility; misleading the weak invites divine judgment. Integrative Theological Insight The recurring image of the neck traces a biblical arc: from the terror of judgment (millstone) through the emancipation from legalistic yokes, to the warm embrace of reconciliation, and finally to the noble vulnerability of sacrificial service. Taken together, these occurrences magnify the gospel’s power to condemn evil, liberate the burdened, reconcile the estranged, and inspire courageous devotion—all through the saving work of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations τραχήλοις τραχηλον τραχηλόν τράχηλον τράχηλόν τράχηλός τραχήλου τραχήλους τραχήλω τραχήλων trachelon trachēlon tráchelon tráchēlonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 18:6 N-AMSGRK: περὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ καὶ NAS: around his neck, and to be drowned KJV: his neck, and INT: upon the neck of him and Mark 9:42 N-AMS Luke 15:20 N-AMS Luke 17:2 N-AMS Acts 15:10 N-AMS Acts 20:37 N-AMS Romans 16:4 N-AMS |
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