Divine Justice: φονεύς (Strong’s G5406: phoneus) Warns Against Life’s Destruction

Strong’s G5406: A murderer or slayer, one who unlawfully takes life. In Biblical usage, represents the gravity of destroying human life made in God’s image. Used both literally and metaphorically to emphasize the serious nature of violence against fellow humans.

U- Unveiling the Word

φονεύς carries profound weight in Scripture, representing not just the act of murder but the destruction of God’s image in humanity. The word appears in contexts ranging from literal murderers to spiritual death-dealers, emphasizing the sanctity of human life. In the New Testament, it often appears in lists of serious sins, highlighting its gravity in God’s eyes. The early church understood φονεύς as representing not only physical murder but also the spiritual death one might bring to others through false teaching or leading them astray. This understanding extends to modern theological discussions about the sanctity of life, human dignity, and our responsibility to preserve and protect life as image-bearers of God.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φονεύς, phoneus, /foˈneus/
• Detailed pronunciation: foh-NYOOS (where ‘foh’ rhymes with ‘go’ and ‘nyoos’ rhymes with ‘use’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: φόνος (phonos) meaning “murder” or “slaughter”
• Suffix: -εύς (-eus) denoting the agent or doer of an action
• Combined to mean “one who commits murder”

D – Defining Meanings

• Murderer
• Killer
• Slayer
• One who takes life unlawfully

Translation Options:

• “Murderer” – most precise legal term
• “Killer” – broader term for one who takes life
• “Slayer” – archaic but accurate translation emphasizing the violent nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φονεύω (phoneuo) /foˈneu.ō/ – the verb form meaning “to murder” See G5407
• ἀνδροφόνος (androphonos) /an.droˈfo.nos/ – specifically a murderer of men See G409
• σφάκτης (sphaktes) /ˈsfak.tēs/ – slaughterer or killer See G4956

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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

The word follows regular third declension patterns:
Nominative singular: φονεύς
Genitive singular: φονέως
Dative singular: φονεῖ
Accusative singular: φονέα
Nominative plural: φονεῖς

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources provide rich insight into φονεύς. BDAG emphasizes its legal and moral implications in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts. Thayer’s highlights its use in lists of grave sins, indicating its serious nature in early Christian ethics. LSJ provides evidence of its use in classical Greek law codes and literature. Vine’s notes its connection to the broader word group related to murder and killing. Moulton and Milligan document its use in legal papyri, showing its technical nature in ancient law. The word consistently carries strong moral condemnation, reflecting the Biblical view of human life’s sanctity and the severity of its unlawful taking.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those [murderers] [φονεῖς] and burned their city.” Matthew 22:7

Additional References:
Matthew 22:7
Acts 3:14
Acts 7:52
Acts 28:4
1 Peter 4:15
Revelation 21:8
Revelation 22:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

φονεύς represents the antithesis of God’s creative and life-giving nature. Its presence in Scripture reminds us of humanity’s fallen state and our capacity for destroying what God has made. Yet the good news of King Jesus transforms this dark reality – He came to save even murderers, offering redemption to all who turn to Him. The Messiah’s sacrifice covers even this gravest of sins, demonstrating that no one is beyond His redemptive reach. This truth offers hope to all, showing that God’s grace is greater than our worst transgressions.

D – Did You Know?

1. In ancient Greek law, a φονεύς was banned from participating in religious ceremonies and entering temples.
2. The word appears significantly in Revelation’s lists of those excluded from the New Jerusalem, emphasizing its spiritual significance.
3. Early Christian martyrdom accounts often referred to persecutors as φονεῖς, linking physical and spiritual murder.

Strong’s G5406: A murderer or killer, one who unlawfully takes human life. Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts to emphasize the gravity of destroying human life made in God’s image. Appears in significant New Testament passages addressing serious sins and their consequences.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: murder, killer, sin, justice, life, death, crime, judgment, redemption, salvation, violence, ethics​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​