λιθοβολέω (G3036) — Greek Lexicon

λιθοβολέω

lithoboléō

G3036 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To throw stones at a person, typically as a form of punishment or execution. The primary sense is to pelt or assault with stones, especially with the intent to kill or harm. In legal or punitive contexts, the verb refers specifically to the act of stoning (execution by stones), while in broader contexts it can refer to any act of throwing stones at someone, whether punitive, hostile, or violent.

Semantic Range

to pelt with stones, to stone to death (execute), to attempt to kill or punish by throwing stones, to attack by throwing stones

Root / Etymology

From λίθος (stone) and βάλλω (to throw, hurl). Formed by compounding these elements to create a verb specifically meaning 'to throw stones.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, λιθοβολέω could be used of hostile crowds attacking an individual by throwing stones, without necessarily implying an official judicial execution. In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, especially in Judean and wider eastern contexts, the term often acquires a specific judicial or extrajudicial meaning: stoning as an established method of punishment, prescribed in the Torah for particular offenses. In the Septuagint, it is used frequently to translate the Hebrew רעם (to stone) when legal execution by stoning is mandated. In the New Testament, it appears in the context both of attempted killings by mobs (e.g., John 8:59) and formal execution attempts (e.g., Acts 7:58-59). Standard English translations usually render the verb as 'to stone,' but the nuance between legal execution and attempted mob violence can be lost. The verb is distinct from general terms for execution (ἀποκτείνω) or punishment, and its use often indicates communal or collective action. Unlike some later traditions, the ancient practice mentioned in biblical texts emphasizes community participation rather than an official executioner.

Translation Consistency

primary "stone" 7 occurrences

"Stone" as a verb naturally and idiomatically covers the full SILEX range — to throw stones at, to pelt, and to execute by stoning. It is the common, simple English rendering used in Bibles and fits both punitive/legal and hostile contexts, satisfying the requirement for a single consistent base verb.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a compound of λίθος and βάλλω; to throw stones, i.e. lapidate:--stone, cast stones.

Root Family

λιθοβολ- (lithoboléō) — to throw (with force), to hurl (object)

Root λιθοβολ- to throw (with force), to hurl (object)

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3036-02`	ἐλιθοβόλουν	elithoboloun	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL`	they were stoning	they were pelting with stones	they were stoning	2
`G3036-05`	λιθοβολοῦσα	lithobolousa	`V PRS ACT PTCP VOC F SG`	stoning	O stone-throwing one	O stoning woman	2
`G3036-01`	ἐλιθοβόλησαν	elithobolesan	`V AOR ACT IND 3P PL`	stoned	they stoned	they stoned	1
`G3036-03`	λιθοβολῆσαι	lithobolesai	`V AOR ACT INF`	to stone	to hurl stones	to hurl stones	1
`G3036-04`	λιθοβοληθήσεται	lithobolethesetai	`V FUT PASS IND 3P SG`	it shall be stoned	he/she/it will be stoned	it will be stoned	1

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3036-01`	Matthew 21:35	ἐλιθοβόλησαν	elithobolesan	`V AOR ACT IND 3P PL`	stoned	they stoned	they stoned
`G3036-05`	Matthew 23:37	λιθοβολοῦσα	lithobolousa	`V PRS ACT PTCP VOC F SG`	stoning	O stone-throwing one	O stoning woman
`G3036-05`	Luke 13:34	λιθοβολοῦσα	lithobolousa	`V PRS ACT PTCP VOC F SG`	stoning	O stone-throwing one	O stoning woman
`G3036-02`	Acts 7:58	ἐλιθοβόλουν	elithoboloun	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL`	they were stoning	they were pelting with stones	they were stoning
`G3036-02`	Acts 7:59	ἐλιθοβόλουν	elithoboloun	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL`	they were stoning	they were pelting with stones	they were stoning
`G3036-03`	Acts 14:5	λιθοβολῆσαι	lithobolesai	`V AOR ACT INF`	to stone	to hurl stones	to hurl stones
`G3036-04`	Hebrews 12:20	λιθοβοληθήσεται	lithobolethesetai	`V FUT PASS IND 3P SG`	it shall be stoned	he/she/it will be stoned	it will be stoned

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