Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, exploring the original Greek words deepens our understanding of the meanings and connotations found within Scripture. One such word is μητρολῴας (mētrolōias), a term that occurs in 1 Timothy 1:9. It refers to a specific kind of wrongdoing, namely matricide—the act of killing one’s mother. This word is significant in understanding the gravity of certain offenses addressed in the New Testament, particularly in contexts where moral laws are highlighted. In the cultural backdrop of ancient Greek society and New Testament ethics, this word reveals not only legal implications but also the emphasis placed on the respect and preservation of family and life.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μητρολῴας (mētrolōias), pronounced may-troh-LOI-as.

Etymology: The word μητρολῴας is composed of two parts: μήτηρ (mētēr), meaning “mother,” and λωίας (lōias), which is derived from the verb λωβάομαι (lōbaomai), meaning “to maltreat” or “to ruin.” Thus, it specifically refers to someone who destroys or kills their mother, highlighting the grievous nature of the crime.

Part of Speech: Μητρολῴας is a noun, masculine in gender. It refers to a person who commits matricide, placing it among nouns that identify individuals by their actions.

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Defining Meanings

1. Matricide: The primary meaning of μητρολῴας is “one who kills their mother.” In this context, it is used in moral and legal discussions about severe violations of familial bonds and ethical conduct.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Πατρολῴας (patrolōias): Pronounced pat-roh-LOI-as, meaning “one who kills their father.” This word parallels μητρολῴας in referring to patricide, showing that these two terms are part of a broader category addressing violations against parents.

2. Φονεύς (phoneus): Pronounced fo-NEUS, meaning “murderer.” While more general, this word differs from μητρολῴας because it refers to killing in a broader sense, without specifying the familial relationship between the victim and the perpetrator.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Μητρολῴας follows the typical rules for masculine nouns. It is declined as follows:

• Nominative singular: μητρολῴας (mētrolōias) – subject.

• Genitive singular: μητρολῴου (mētrolōiou) – possessive.

• Dative singular: μητρολῴᾳ (mētrolōiai) – indirect object.

• Accusative singular: μητρολῴαν (mētrolōian) – direct object.

This noun is used in the singular form in 1 Timothy 1:9, where it is included in a list of sinful behaviors.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicon entries for μητρολῴας emphasize the word’s strong association with moral law. In 1 Timothy 1:9, μητρολῴας is listed among other severe transgressions to describe those for whom the law is necessary. The offense of matricide would have been seen as a shocking violation of both natural and divine law, as honoring one’s parents is a core value in both Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions. Scholars agree that the term is used in a figurative sense to emphasize the wickedness of such acts, drawing attention to the seriousness of dishonoring family relationships.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1 Timothy 1:9 is the only occurrence of μητρολῴας in the New Testament:

“The law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers [μητρολῴας], for manslayers…”

Analyzing Classical Usage

The term μητρολῴας does not appear frequently in classical Greek literature, as matricide is generally rare and considered an extreme crime in both ancient and modern societies. However, references to crimes against one’s parents, especially in legal contexts, can be found.

Author Name of Work Text with μητρολῴας (mētrolōias)

Plato Laws “The laws against the murderer of a parent [μητρολῴας] are severe.”

Aeschylus Eumenides “The matricide [μητρολῴας] must face judgment from the Furies.”

Septuagint Deuteronomy 5:16 “Honor thy father and thy mother [μητρολῴας], that thy days may be long.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μητρολῴας (mētrolōias) refers to the crime of matricide, a grave offense that is listed among other serious sins in 1 Timothy 1:9. The term highlights the severity of moral transgressions that break familial bonds, particularly the act of murdering one’s mother. This word provides insight into the cultural and legal frameworks of the time, where family relationships were considered sacred. Understanding the use of μητρολῴας enriches our interpretation of biblical texts dealing with law and ethics.

Did You Know?

• Matricide, as indicated by μητρολῴας, was considered one of the most heinous crimes in both ancient Greek and Jewish law.

• The inclusion of μητρολῴας in 1 Timothy 1:9 shows the New Testament’s emphasis on family respect and moral responsibility.

• In ancient Greek culture, crimes against one’s parents were met with extreme punishment, often seen as violations against society itself.