Lexical Summary phragellion: Whip, scourge Original Word: φραγέλλιον 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 Originof Latin origin Definition a scourge NASB Translation scourge (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5416: φραγέλλιονφραγέλλιον, φραγελλιου, τό (Latinflagellum; Buttmann, 18 (16)), a scourge: John 2:15. Topical Lexicon Form and Meaning The term translated “whip” in John 2:15 denotes a small scourge composed of several cords or thongs. It implies a handheld instrument suitable for driving animals and symbolically asserting authority. Biblical Context and Usage Only one New Testament occurrence appears, in John 2:15, during the cleansing of the temple: “So He made a whip 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” (John 2:15). The Evangelist uses the word to highlight purposeful action, contrasting with the later, more violent Roman scourge inflicted on Jesus (John 19:1). Here, the whip is directed at animals, while overturned tables and scattered coins confront human profiteering. The single use sharpens focus on the unique character of this moment in Christ’s public ministry. Historical Background of Scourging In the ancient Mediterranean world, whips served multiple roles: guiding livestock, disciplining slaves, and enforcing judicial punishment. Temple courtyards teemed with sacrificial animals; drovers routinely used light cords to manage flocks. Jesus’ quick assembly of such a whip fits the setting—materials lay ready at hand, and observers would immediately understand its agricultural purpose. Unlike the heavy flagellum of Roman law, this implement conveys control without lethal force, aligning with prophetic zeal rather than punitive cruelty. Theological Implications in Christ’s Ministry 1. Messianic Authority: By fashioning a whip, Jesus embodies Malachi 3:1–3, where the Lord suddenly comes to His temple to purify worship. His physical gesture fulfills prophetic expectation and demonstrates sovereignty over sacrificial systems pointing to His own atonement. Practical Application for the Church • Purity of Worship: Churches must guard against distractions that turn sacred gatherings into markets, whether monetary or ideological. By recording a single, vivid act involving a simple whip, the Gospel of John presents a concise yet profound testimony to the zeal, authority, and redemptive mission of the Lord Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations φραγελλιον φραγέλλιον phragellion phragéllionLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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