βλάπτω
blaptō
to hurt
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word βλάπτω (blaptō) is defined as "to hurt." Its primary function appears to be indicating physical or emotional harm caused by a particular action or situation. With only two occurrences in the Bible, its usage is relatively sparse. Although limited in frequency, βλάπτω is likely to convey a sense of direct cause-and-effect, implying that the action described directly results in harm to the affected party. Its significance lies in its ability to provide a clear and concise description of the consequences of certain actions, allowing the reader to understand the gravity of a situation. As a result, βλάπτω serves a utilitarian role in the biblical narrative, highlighting the outcomes of actions that lead to harm. Its scarcity may not be indicative of a complex or nuanced meaning, but rather a testament to the brevity and directness of the biblical authors' language.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences across the text
they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will in no way hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Luke 4:35Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” When the demon had thrown him down in the middle of them, he came out of him, having done him no harm.