5416. phragellion

Lexicon

phragellion: Whip, scourge

Original Word: φραγέλλιον
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: phragellion
Pronunciation: frag-EL-lee-on
Phonetic Spelling: (frag-el'-le-on)
Definition: Whip, scourge
Meaning: a scourge, lash, whip.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

scourge.

Neuter of a derivative from the base of phragelloo; a whip, i.e. Roman lash as a public punishment -- scourge.

see GREEK phragelloo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of Latin origin
Definition
a scourge
NASB Translation
scourge (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 5416: φραγέλλιον

φραγέλλιον, φραγελλιου, τό (Latinflagellum; Buttmann, 18 (16)), a scourge: John 2:15.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Latin "flagellum," meaning a whip or scourge.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for φραγέλλιον, the concept of a whip or scourge can be related to Hebrew terms such as שׁוֹט (shot, Strong's 7752) and מַטֶּה (matteh, Strong's 4294), which can refer to a rod or staff used for discipline or punishment. These terms are used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament to denote instruments of correction or authority.

Usage: The term φραγέλλιον is used in the New Testament to describe a whip, specifically in the context of Jesus cleansing the temple.

Context: The Greek term φραγέλλιον appears in the New Testament in the context of Jesus' actions in the temple. In John 2:15, it is recorded: "So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables." (BSB)

This event is significant in the Gospel narrative as it demonstrates Jesus' zeal for the purity and sanctity of the temple, which had been turned into a marketplace. The use of a φραγέλλιον underscores the seriousness of His actions and His authority to cleanse the temple. The whip, made of cords, symbolizes both judgment and the call to return to true worship.

The act of using a φραγέλλιον is not indicative of violence for its own sake but rather serves as a prophetic sign against the corruption and commercialization of religious practices. It reflects the righteous indignation of Jesus against those who exploited the temple for personal gain, thus defiling a place meant for prayer and worship.

Theologically, this event foreshadows the ultimate cleansing and redemption that Jesus would accomplish through His death and resurrection. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the holiness of places dedicated to God and the need for sincere worship.

Forms and Transliterations

φραγελλιον φραγέλλιον phragellion phragéllion

Englishman's Concordance

John 2:15 N-ANS
GRK: καὶ ποιήσας φραγέλλιον ἐκ σχοινίων
NAS: And He made a scourge of cords,
KJV: when he had made a scourge of
INT: and having made a whip of cords

Strong's Greek 5416
1 Occurrence

φραγέλλιον — 1 Occ.