Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for biblical studies as it provides deeper insights into the meanings and contexts of New Testament texts. The Greek word θνῄσκω (thnḗskō) is particularly significant because it means “to die” or “to be dead.” This word is foundational in discussing themes of mortality, resurrection, and eternal life in the New Testament. It appears in various contexts, from literal physical death to metaphorical uses describing spiritual death or separation from God. By examining the usage of θνῄσκω, we gain a clearer understanding of the theological teachings on life, death, and the promise of resurrection in the Christian faith, as well as insights into ancient Greek views on mortality.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: θνῄσκω (thnḗskō) [THNAY-skoh]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek root θαν- (than-), meaning “to die.” The verb form θνῄσκω refers to the act of dying or the state of being dead.
• Part of Speech: Verb; used to describe the action or state of dying or death.
• Grammatical Details: Regular verb; conjugated to indicate different tenses, voices, and moods.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To die: Refers to the cessation of life, whether physical or spiritual.
• To be dead: Describes the state of having lost life.
• To perish: Used metaphorically to signify spiritual death or the loss of eternal life.

Similar Words: ἀποθνῄσκω (apothnḗskō) [a-po-THNAY-skoh] is another Greek verb that means “to die” or “to perish.” While ἀποθνῄσκω often emphasizes the process of dying or the consequence of death, θνῄσκω focuses more directly on the act or state of dying. Another related word is τελευτάω (teleutáō) [te-lew-TAH-oh], which also means “to die” but often carries a connotation of finishing or ending, such as the end of a life or period.

Further Insights: As a verb, θνῄσκω follows a common conjugation pattern in Greek grammar. Below is a table with the present indicative active form of θνῄσκω:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: θνῄσκω is defined as “to die,” “to be dead.” BDAG emphasizes its use in both literal and figurative senses in the New Testament, such as in discussions about physical death, spiritual death, and the theological implications of Christ’s death and resurrection.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Thayer’s describes θνῄσκω as “to die, to be dead.” It notes the term’s usage in contexts where it refers not only to physical death but also to spiritual death or separation from divine life, providing insight into the spiritual consequences of sin and the hope of resurrection.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Vine’s explains θνῄσκω in terms of its literal meaning “to die,” and its metaphorical usage in expressing the believer’s death to sin or the “old self.” Vine’s highlights the theological significance of the word in passages that discuss the believer’s transformation through Christ’s death and resurrection.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): The LSJ lexicon provides a comprehensive overview of θνῄσκω, from its primary meaning of “to die” in classical Greek literature to its metaphorical uses in philosophical and rhetorical contexts, where it may signify moral or spiritual death.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: G2348. Strong’s defines θνῄσκω as “to die,” highlighting its frequent use in both the Old and New Testaments to describe the physical cessation of life and, by extension, spiritual death and the ultimate hope of resurrection.

Related Scripture References

• John 11:26: “And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die (θνῄσκω). Believest thou this?”
• Romans 6:9: “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth (θνῄσκει) no more; death hath no more dominion over him.”
• Hebrews 9:27: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die (θνῄσκειν), but after this the judgment.”

Classical Usage

Summary of θνῄσκω (G2348)

The Greek verb θνῄσκω (thnḗskō) primarily means “to die” and is used in both literal and metaphorical contexts in the New Testament and classical literature. In biblical teachings, it describes the physical cessation of life as well as spiritual death or separation from God. The term appears frequently in passages discussing mortality, resurrection, and the transformation that comes through faith in Christ. Understanding θνῄσκω is crucial for interpreting key New Testament doctrines related to death, eternal life, and the hope of resurrection, providing profound insights into both ancient Greek thought and Christian theology.

Did You Know?

The Greek verb θνῄσκω is closely related to the word θάνατος (thánatos), which means “death.” This root is the basis for many English words related to death, such as “euthanasia” (literally, “good death”) and “thanatology” (the study of death and dying). In Greek mythology, Θάνατος was also the personification of death, often depicted as a somber, winged figure. This cultural backdrop adds depth to the New Testament’s use of θνῄσκω, highlighting the contrast between pagan views of death and the Christian hope of resurrection and eternal life.