Brief Overview of πτῶμα (Strong’s G4430: ptoma)

Strong’s G4430: A neuter noun meaning “fallen body, corpse,” derived from πίπτω (to fall). Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts to describe dead bodies or fallen objects. In the New Testament, appears in contexts of death, judgment, and the consequences of spiritual decay.

U- Unveiling the Word

πτῶμα literally means “that which has fallen” and specifically refers to a fallen body or corpse. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from Jesus’s prophetic teachings about judgment to the narrative of John the Baptist’s death. The word carries particular significance in apocalyptic passages, where it serves as a stark reminder of mortality and judgment. Early church fathers often used this term when discussing martyrdom and the temporal nature of human life. Today, it continues to convey powerful messages about human mortality and divine judgment.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πτῶμα, ptoma, /pto-mah/
• Detailed pronunciation: p-TOH-mah (with initial ‘p’ pronounced)
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter)

Etymology:

• Root: πίπτω (pipto) – “to fall”
• Suffix: -μα (-ma) – forms neuter nouns indicating result
• Indicates the result of falling
• Specifically refers to a fallen object or body

D – Defining Meanings

• Corpse, dead body
• Fallen object
• Ruin, downfall (metaphorical)

For compound words: Not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “Corpse” – Most common biblical usage
• “Carcass” – Especially in contexts with animals
• “Fallen body” – More literal translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• νεκρός (nekros) /nek-ros/ – “dead person/body” – See G3498
• σῶμα (soma) /so-mah/ – “body” – See G4983
• πτῶσις (ptosis) /pto-sis/ – “falling, fall” – See G4431

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a neuter noun of the third declension, πτῶμα exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative: τὸ πτῶμα (the corpse)
• Genitive: τοῦ πτώματος (of the corpse)
• Dative: τῷ πτώματι (to/with the corpse)
• Accusative: τὸ πτῶμα (the corpse)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its concrete meaning of corpse or dead body. Thayer’s notes its development from the concept of falling. LSJ documents its use in various contexts of death and decay. Vine’s connects it to judgment contexts. Strong’s emphasizes its relation to πίπτω. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from death reports in papyri. LEH discusses its use in the Septuagint for battlefield casualties.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 24:28 “For wheresoever the carcase [πτῶμα] is, there will the eagles be gathered together.”

Additional References:
Mark 6:29, Mark 15:45, Revelation 11:8, Revelation 11:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πτῶμα serves as a stark reminder of human mortality and the reality of divine judgment. Yet within the gospel narrative, it also points to hope – for just as Christ’s own body was once a πτῶμα, through resurrection He transformed death itself. This word proclaims both the gravity of sin’s consequences and the triumph of resurrection life over death.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word gave rise to the modern term “ptomaine” for certain decay products.
2. Early Christian martyrdom accounts often used this term specifically.
3. The word appears in ancient medical texts describing post-mortem examinations.

Strong’s G4430: A neuter noun meaning “fallen body, corpse,” derived from πίπτω (to fall). Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts to describe dead bodies or fallen objects. In the New Testament, appears in contexts of death, judgment, and the consequences of spiritual decay.

Part of speech: Noun (neuter)

Tags: death, corpse, fallen body, mortality, judgment, martyrdom, battlefield, human remains, decay, divine judgment, resurrection hope, human frailty