Plege (πληγή) means a blow, stroke, wound, or plague. From plesso (to strike), it refers to the result of being struck — whether a physical wound, a beating, or a divine plague. It appears in both literal contexts (apostolic beatings) and apocalyptic contexts (Revelation's plagues).
The word spans the full range of biblical suffering and judgment. In Luke 10:30, the man on the Jericho road is beaten with wounds. In Acts 16:23, Paul and Silas receive many blows. In 2 Corinthians 6:5, Paul catalogs his beatings as apostolic credentials. But the word takes on dramatic significance in Revelation, describing divine plagues — the seven last plagues (15:1), grievous sores (16:2), and hailstorm (16:21). The dual usage reveals a biblical principle: God who allows His servants to endure wounds for the gospel will ultimately inflict wounds on those who oppose Him.