A.T. Robertson Commentary John 19:3

"and they came unto him, and said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they struck him with their hands." — John 19:3 (ASV)

They came (ηρχοντο). Imperfect middle of repeated action, "they kept coming and saying" (ελεγον) in derision and mock reverence with Αςε (χαιρε, Hail!) as if to Caesar. Note ο βασιλευς (the king) in address.

They struck him with their hands (εδιδοσαν αυτω ραπισματα). Imperfect of διδωμ, repetition, "they kept on giving him slaps with their hands." See on 18:22 for this use of ραπισμα.