Sacred Life: φονεύω (Strong’s G5407: phoneuo) Reveals God’s Heart

Strong’s G5407: To murder, kill unlawfully, or take life without justification. A verb emphasizing the deliberate destruction of human life, viewed as a grave violation of God’s image in humanity and His commandments.

U- Unveiling the Word

φονεύω represents more than just the physical act of murder; it embodies the deliberate violation of God’s sacred gift of life. In the New Testament, the Messiah expands its meaning beyond physical murder to include hatred and anger in the heart (Matthew 5:21-22). This broader understanding reveals that the command against murder isn’t merely about preserving physical life but about honoring the image of God in every person. The early church understood φονεύω as encompassing both literal and spiritual murder, including actions that destroy another’s faith or lead them into sin. Today, this understanding challenges us to examine not just our actions but our attitudes toward others.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φονεύω, phoneuo, /foˈneu.ō/
• Detailed pronunciation: foh-NEW-oh (where ‘foh’ rhymes with ‘go’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: φόνος (phonos) meaning “murder” or “slaughter”
• Verbal suffix: -εύω (-euo) indicating action or process
• Combined to mean “to commit murder”

D – Defining Meanings

• To murder
• To kill unlawfully
• To destroy life deliberately
• To commit homicide

Translation Options:

• “Murder” – emphasizes the unlawful and deliberate nature
• “Kill” – broader term but less precise
• “Slay” – archaic but captures the violent aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀποκτείνω (apokteino) /a.poˈktei.nō/ – to kill or put to death See G615
• σφάζω (sphazo) /ˈsfa.zō/ – to slaughter or slay See G4969
• θανατόω (thanatoo) /tha.naˈto.ō/ – to put to death See G2289

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Example conjugations:
Present Active Indicative:

• φονεύω (I murder)
• φονεύεις (you murder)
• φονεύει (he/she/it murders)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources provide deep insight into φονεύω’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its use in both legal and ethical contexts, particularly its appearance in vice lists and the Ten Commandments. Thayer’s highlights its expansion in the Messiah’s teaching to include murderous intent. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek law codes where it specifically denoted premeditated killing. Vine’s notes its distinction from justified killing in warfare or legal execution. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its technical legal usage in criminal proceedings. This term consistently carries strong moral condemnation, reflecting the Biblical view of life’s sanctity.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not [murder] [φονεύσεις], and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.'” Matthew 5:21

Additional References:
Matthew 19:18
Mark 10:19
Luke 18:20
Romans 13:9
James 2:11
James 4:2

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

φονεύω stands as a powerful reminder of life’s sanctity and our calling to preserve it. The Messiah’s teaching expands our understanding beyond physical murder to the heart’s condition, showing that the path to life begins with transforming our inner attitudes. This reveals the good news that King Jesus came not only to save us from the act of murder but to transform hearts capable of hatred into hearts filled with love. His redemptive work offers hope even to those who have committed this grave sin, demonstrating that His grace extends to all who repent.

D – Did You Know?

1. The verb appears in all synoptic gospels’ accounts of the rich young ruler, emphasizing its importance in basic moral teaching.
2. James uniquely uses this verb to describe the destructive power of selfish desires.
3. Early Christian writers used this term to describe both physical and spiritual murder through false teaching.

Strong’s G5407: To murder or kill unlawfully. A verb emphasizing the deliberate violation of God’s sacred gift of life. Used in the Ten Commandments and expanded by Jesus to include murderous attitudes of the heart.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: murder, kill, commandments, life, death, heart, attitude, sin, redemption, transformation, justice, ethics​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​