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G984 · Greek · New Testament
Βλάπτω
Blaptō
Verb
To harm, injure, hurt

Definition

The Greek verb blaptō means to harm, injure, damage, or hurt. It appears twice in the New Testament, both times in contexts describing what cannot harm those under God's protection. The word carries the sense of actual physical or spiritual damage inflicted upon a person.

Usage & Theological Significance

Both New Testament uses of blaptō are reassuring. Mark 16:18 (in the longer ending) — handling serpents and drinking poison "will not harm them" — and Luke 4:35 — the unclean spirit threw the man down "having done him no harm." These texts together declare a profound truth: in Christ's presence and under God's protection, the enemy's power to truly harm is constrained. Paul's similar declarations (Romans 8:38–39 — nothing can separate us from God's love; Romans 8:1 — no condemnation) fill out the same theology. The harm the enemy seeks, God sovereignly limits.

Key Bible Verses

Mark 16:18 They will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them.
Luke 4:35 And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm.
Romans 8:38 For I am sure that neither death nor life... will be able to separate us from the love of God.
Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed.
Psalm 91:7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

Related Words

External Resources

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