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παίω

paíō

G3817 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To strike, to hit, to inflict a blow (generally with the hand or an instrument). In certain contexts, to wound, to sting (especially of animals such as scorpions). The fundamental sense is the action of delivering a blow, which may range in severity from a light strike to a more injurious act; in figurative usage, can also refer to inflicting pain, injury, or harm without direct physical contact.

Semantic Range

to hit, to strike (once or with intent), to smite, to wound, to inflict a blow, to sting (especially of animals), to beat (with instrument), to cause injury physically or metaphorically

Root / Etymology

Root: παί-. The word παίω is of uncertain Indo-European etymology but is attested from Homeric Greek onward as the primary verb denoting the act of striking or hitting.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, παίω is the general verb for striking (sometimes interchangeably with τύπτω), but often with an emphasis on a single, decisive action rather than repeated blows. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, it retained this basic sense but appears less frequently; τύπτω became the more common verb for general striking. In the Septuagint, παίω may be used for various acts of striking, including threatening actions by people, divine acts, or blows delivered by weapons. In the New Testament, its occurrence is rare and tends to be specific, such as the 'sting' of a scorpion (Revelation 9:5), where the sense extends from 'strike' to 'inflict pain' by venomous sting. English translations often select 'strike' or 'smite,' but for animal actions, 'sting' better captures the intended nuance. Unlike τύπτω, which also covers the idea of beating or repeated blows, παίω tends to be less violent and connotes a more targeted or singular action. No significant theological meaning is attached to the verb in Koine literature; usage is literal or metaphorical, depending on context.

Translation Consistency

primary "strike" 5 occurrences

"Strike" naturally covers the full SILEX range (to hit, smite, inflict a blow, wound, sting) while remaining common English. It matches the typical usage in contexts that range from a light hit to a more injurious blow and easily renders figurative senses (inflict pain, harm). It also aligns with the attested renderings (e.g., “struck,” “strikes”) and inflects cleanly for all forms.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primary verb; to hit (as if by a single blow and less violently than τύπτω); specially, to sting (as a scorpion):--smite, strike.

Root Family

παί- (paíō) — to strike, to hit, to inflict a blow

Root παί- to strike, to hit, to inflict a blow

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3817-01 ἔπαισεν epaisen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG struck struck struck 2
G3817-02 παίσας paisas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG one who hit having struck having struck 2
G3817-03 παίσῃ paise V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG it strikes may strike it strikes 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3817-02 Matthew 26:68 παίσας paisas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG one who hit having struck having struck
G3817-01 Mark 14:47 ἔπαισεν epaisen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG struck struck struck
G3817-02 Luke 22:64 παίσας paisas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG one who struck having struck having struck
G3817-01 John 18:10 ἔπαισεν epaisen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG struck struck struck
G3817-03 Revelation 9:5 παίσῃ paise V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG it strikes may strike it strikes
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