Brief Overview of θανατηφόρος (Strong’s G2287: thanatēphoros)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for a deep and accurate comprehension of Scripture. The Greek word θανατηφόρος (thanatēphoros) is particularly significant because it describes something that brings or carries death. This word’s use in ancient texts, including the New Testament, highlights serious dangers, deadly consequences, or mortal threats. It provides readers with insight into the mindset and the perils faced by individuals in the ancient world, as well as the strength of divine protection and power over death.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: θανατηφόρος, thanatēphoros [tha-na-TAY-fo-ros]
• Etymology: From θάνατος (thanatos), meaning “death,” and φέρω (pherō), meaning “to carry” or “to bring.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Grammatical Details: Second declension adjective with masculine, feminine, and neuter forms.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Death-bringing
• Deadly
• Mortal

Similar Words: θανατηφόρος (thanatēphoros) is closely related to θανάσιμος (thanasimos), which also means “deadly” or “fatal.” However, θανατηφόρος emphasizes the idea of “bringing” or “carrying” death, often used metaphorically or literally to describe something that leads to or causes death, whereas θανάσιμος is more about something inherently “deadly” by nature.

Further Insights: θανατηφόρος is a compound adjective formed from θάνατος and φέρω. It is often used to describe situations or objects that bring about death. This word belongs to the second declension group of adjectives. Below is a table showing the full declension of θανατηφόρος:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Defines θανατηφόρος as “bringing death, deadly,” often referring to situations or items that could cause death.

Thayers: Describes θανατηφόρος as “death-bringing,” used in contexts that imply fatal consequences or outcomes.

Vines: Groups θανατηφόρος with other words related to death, emphasizing its usage to describe things that can cause or bring about death.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Lists θανατηφόρος as “bringing death,” used in classical literature to describe deadly poisons, weapons, or even fate.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Translates θανατηφόρος as “death-bringing” or “deadly,” providing references to its use in New Testament contexts and other Greek writings.

Related Scripture References

• James 3:8: “But no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” Here, θανατηφόρου describes the destructive and life-threatening nature of the human tongue’s words.

Classical Usage

Septuagint Examples:

Summary of θανατηφόρος (G2287: thanatēphoros)

The word θανατηφόρος (G2287: thanatēphoros) serves as an important adjective to describe things that bring or cause death. This term is found in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature, where it is used to describe deadly weapons, poisons, or fates. Understanding θανατηφόρος enhances our appreciation of the power of language in the Bible to depict the severity of situations, warnings, and divine interventions. The word reflects the ancient world’s view of mortality and the dangers that could lead to death, thereby offering a richer context to Biblical and literary texts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that θανατηφόρος is a compound of two Greek words, θάνατος (death) and φέρω (to bring), literally meaning “death-bringing”? This vivid imagery is used in both Greek mythology and the New Testament to express not just physical death but also spiritual and moral dangers.

This comprehensive overview of θανατηφόρος provides a nuanced understanding of its usage in both Biblical and classical contexts, presenting it as a word rich with meaning and historical significance.