3990. pelekizó

Lexicon

pelekizó: To behead, to cut off with an axe

Original Word: πελεκίζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: pelekizó
Pronunciation: peh-lek-ID-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (pel-ek-id'-zo)
Definition: To behead, to cut off with an axe
Meaning: I behead (with an axe).

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

behead.

From a derivative of plesso (meaning an axe); to chop off (the head), i.e. Truncate -- behead.

see GREEK plesso

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from pelekus (a battle-ax)
Definition
to cut off with an ax, esp. to behead
NASB Translation
beheaded (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3990: πελεκίζω

πελεκίζω: perfect passive participle πεπελεκισμενος; (πέλεκυς, an axe or two-edged hatchet); to cut off with an axe, to behead: τινα, Revelation 20:4. (Polybius, Diodorus, Strabo, Josephus, Antiquities 20, 5, 4; Plutarch, Ant. 36; (cf. Winer's Grammar, 26 (25)).)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word πέλεκυς (pelekus), meaning "axe."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for πελεκίζω, the concept of execution or beheading can be related to Hebrew terms associated with capital punishment or judgment, such as חרב (chereb, Strong's H2719), meaning "sword," which is often used in contexts of execution or divine judgment.

Usage: The term πελεκίζω is used in the context of execution, specifically referring to the act of beheading. It is a term that appears in ancient Greek literature and is used in the New Testament to describe the martyrdom of certain individuals.

Context: • Contextual Background: In the ancient world, beheading was a common method of execution, often reserved for those considered enemies of the state or for those who were seen as significant threats. The use of an axe for this purpose is reflected in the term πελεκίζω.
• Biblical Occurrence: The term πελεκίζω is notably used in the New Testament in the context of the execution of John the Baptist. In Mark 6:27 (BSB), it is recorded: "So without delay, the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went, beheaded him in the prison."
• Theological Significance: The act of beheading, as described by πελεκίζω, is significant in the biblical narrative as it underscores the cost of prophetic witness and the opposition faced by those who stand for truth. John the Baptist's beheading is a poignant example of the ultimate sacrifice made by those who faithfully proclaim God's message.
• Historical and Cultural Insights: Beheading was considered a swift and honorable form of execution in Roman times, often reserved for Roman citizens. The use of πελεκίζω in the New Testament highlights the severity of the punishment and the gravity of the situation faced by early Christian martyrs.

Forms and Transliterations

επελιώθη πελέκει πέλεκυν πέλεκυς πελιδνοί πέλται πέλταις πέλτας πελτασταί πέλυξ πέμμα πέμματα πέμματι πεπελεκισμενων πεπελεκισμένων pepelekismenon pepelekismenōn pepelekisménon pepelekisménōn

Englishman's Concordance

Revelation 20:4 V-RPM/P-GMP
GRK: ψυχὰς τῶν πεπελεκισμένων διὰ τὴν
NAS: of those who had been beheaded because
KJV: [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for
INT: souls of those beheaded on account of the

Strong's Greek 3990
1 Occurrence

πεπελεκισμένων — 1 Occ.