Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in biblical studies for providing deeper insights into the meanings and contexts of New Testament texts. The Greek word θνητός (thnētós) is particularly significant as it means “mortal” or “subject to death.” This term is used in the New Testament to describe the human condition and our inherent mortality, emphasizing the contrast between perishable human life and the imperishable life promised through Christ. By exploring the usage of θνητός, we gain a clearer understanding of early Christian teachings on life, death, resurrection, and the hope of eternal life. It also provides insight into how ancient Greek culture viewed mortality and the human condition.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: θνητός (thnētós) [thnay-TOS]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek root θαν- (than-), which means “to die.” The adjective θνητός refers to that which is subject to death or mortality.
• Part of Speech: Adjective; used to describe beings or entities that are mortal or perishable.
• Grammatical Details: Second declension adjective; has different forms to agree with masculine, feminine, and neuter nouns.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Mortal: Subject to death; having a finite lifespan.
• Perishable: Capable of dying or decaying; not eternal.
• Human: Often used to describe human beings in contrast to divine or immortal beings.

Similar Words: βροτός (brotós) [bro-TOS] is another Greek adjective meaning “mortal” or “human.” While βροτός carries a more poetic connotation and is often used in literature to emphasize the frailty of human life, θνητός is more commonly used in philosophical and theological contexts to emphasize mortality itself. Another related word is ἀθάνατος (athánatos) [a-THA-na-tos], meaning “immortal.” While θνητός refers to that which is subject to death, ἀθάνατος refers to that which is beyond death, such as the divine or the eternal life promised to believers.

Further Insights: As a second declension adjective, θνητός follows a regular pattern of endings that change based on gender, case, and number. Below is the full declension of θνητός:

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: θνητός is defined as “mortal, subject to death.” BDAG emphasizes its use in contrast to divine or immortal beings and its metaphorical application to the human condition of being perishable or corruptible.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Thayer’s describes θνητός as “liable to death,” focusing on its usage to differentiate between the mortal nature of human beings and the immortal nature of God or divine entities. Thayer’s also highlights its use in passages that discuss the resurrection and the transformation from mortal to immortal.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Vine’s discusses θνητός in the context of its metaphorical implications, noting that it is used to emphasize the temporality and frailty of human life in contrast to the eternal life given through Christ. Vine’s also points out its eschatological significance in passages referring to the future state of believers.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): The LSJ lexicon provides a broad overview of θνητός, from its basic meaning of “mortal” or “perishable” to more philosophical and rhetorical uses where it signifies the human condition or the existential reality of death.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: G2349. Strong’s defines θνητός as “mortal, subject to death,” highlighting its frequent use in both the Old and New Testaments to describe human nature and the inevitable reality of death for all living beings.

Related Scripture References

• Romans 6:12: “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal (θνητῷ) body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:53: “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal (θνητὸν) must put on immortality.”
• 2 Corinthians 4:11: “For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal (θνητῇ) flesh.”

Classical Usage

Summary of θνητός (G2349)

The Greek adjective θνητός (thnētós) primarily means “mortal” or “subject to death” and is used in both literal and metaphorical contexts in the New Testament and classical literature. In biblical teachings, it describes the perishable nature of human beings in contrast to the imperishable, immortal nature promised through Christ’s resurrection. The term appears frequently in passages discussing the reality of human mortality, the hope of resurrection, and the transformation from mortality to immortality. Understanding θνητός helps in interpreting biblical doctrines related to life, death, resurrection, and the eternal state, providing profound insights into both ancient Greek thought and Christian theology.

Did You Know?

The concept of θνητός is foundational in both Greek philosophy and Christian theology, often used to highlight the transient nature of human life. In Greek mythology, the gods were called ἀθάνατοι (athanatoi), meaning “immortals,” while humans were θνητοί (thnētoi), “mortals.” This distinction underscored the gods’ eternal existence versus the fleeting life of humans. In Christian theology, however, while all humans are born θνητοί, through Christ, believers are promised a transformation from θνητός to ἀθάνατος, from mortality to immortality.