κόλασις
kólasis
G2851 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
κόλασις refers to the act of penal correction or punishment, typically imposed to discipline or restrain improper behavior. In context, it can denote judicial or punitive actions intended to bring about reform, deterrence, or retribution. In later and some metaphorical usages, it can refer more generally to suffering or torment resulting from such punishment.
Semantic Range
penal correction, punishment, disciplinary action, judicial penalty, suffering from punishment, (later) torment
Root / Etymology
From the verb κολάζω (kolazō), meaning 'to cut short, restrain, punish.' The verb itself is likely derived from a root meaning 'to prune' (in reference to trimming branches for growth), metaphorically extended to restraining or disciplining a person; see κόλος, 'mutilated' or 'docked.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, κόλασις primarily signified corrective discipline or punishment, especially with the aim of improvement or restraint rather than mere vengeance. The concept was distinguished from τιμωρία (timōría), which emphasizes retributive justice or vengeance. In Hellenistic and Second Temple Jewish literature, κόλασις continues to denote punitive measures, especially in legal or moral contexts. In the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 25:46), it refers to eschatological punishment but carries the sense of penal consequence or corrective action, not simply suffering. English translations often render κόλασις as 'punishment,' 'torment,' or 'penalty,' but 'punishment' as restraint or correction best reflects its primary sense in Greek usage. The English 'torment' may overemphasize the aspect of suffering rather than disciplinary correction. The substantive occurs infrequently in the Septuagint but is used for Hebrew terms indicating punishment or correction (e.g., Isa 4:6 LXX).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κολάζω; penal infliction:--punishment, torment.
Root Family
κολα- (kólasis) — to restrain, to punish, to correct
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2851-01 |
κόλασιν | kolasin | N ACC F SG |
punishment | penal correction | penal correction | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2851-01 |
Matthew 25:46 | κόλασιν | kolasin | N ACC F SG |
punishment | penal correction | penal correction |
G2851-01 |
1 John 4:18 | κόλασιν | kolasin | N ACC F SG |
punishment | penal correction | penal correction |