Understanding ἀνδροφόνος (androphonos) Strong’s G409: The Sobering Biblical Term for Murderer that Reveals Divine Justice and Grace

Pronunciation Guide: an-drof’-on-os

Basic Definition

Strong’s G409: ἀνδροφόνος describes one who deliberately takes human life, specifically a murderer or manslayer. This compound word combines the gravity of intentional killing with the specific targeting of human beings, emphasizing the severity of this action in biblical context. The term carries strong moral and legal implications in both Greco-Roman and Jewish law.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound noun from ἀνήρ (man) and φόνος (murder/slaughter)
• Used in legal and ethical contexts
• Appears in both classical Greek and Koine literature
• Primary usage in legal and moral teaching passages
• Rare in New Testament (1x)

ἀνδροφόνος Morphology:

• ἀνδροφόνος (nominative singular) – a murderer
• ἀνδροφόνου (genitive singular) – of a murderer
• ἀνδροφόνῳ (dative singular) – to/for a murderer
• ἀνδροφόνους (accusative plural) – murderers

Origin & History

The term ἀνδροφόνος has deep roots in classical Greek literature, appearing in works by Homer and other ancient authors to describe those who commit intentional homicide. In the Iliad, Homer uses it to describe warriors who have killed in battle, though without the negative moral connotation it later acquired.

The Septuagint translators chose this term specifically when translating passages dealing with intentional murder, distinguishing it from accidental manslaughter. This usage influenced its appearance in later Hellenistic Jewish literature, where it became associated with serious moral and legal transgression.

The early church fathers, particularly John Chrysostom in his homilies on 1 Timothy, emphasized this word’s gravity when discussing the purpose and application of divine law, connecting it to the broader biblical teaching on the sanctity of human life.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Intentional killer of human beings
• One who commits premeditated murder
• Manslayer with moral culpability
• Homicide perpetrator

ἀνδροφόνος Translation Options:

• “Murderer” – Most common English translation, capturing both the act and moral weight
• “Manslayer” – More literal translation of the compound elements
• “Killer of men” – Emphasizes the specific targeting of human victims
• “Homicide perpetrator” – Modern legal equivalent, though lacking some of the moral force

Biblical Usage

The term ἀνδροφόνος appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Timothy 1:9, where Paul lists it among serious violations of God’s law. This singular usage is significant, as it appears in a context discussing the purpose of the law and its role in restraining severe moral transgressions.

In the broader biblical context, this word connects to the fundamental prohibition against murder established in Genesis 9:6 and codified in the Torah. The Septuagint uses related terms when translating passages dealing with murder, particularly in legal contexts.

• “…the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners… for murderers [ἀνδροφόνος]…” 1 Timothy 1:9

Cultural Insights

In ancient Greek and Roman society, the distinction between justified killing (as in warfare) and murder was significant legally and socially. The compound nature of ἀνδροφόνος specifically emphasized the killing of free men, as opposed to slaves or enemies in battle, making it a particularly serious charge in the ancient world.

The Jewish legal tradition, building on Torah law, developed elaborate distinctions between different types of killing, with intentional murder being among the most serious crimes possible. The cities of refuge system (Numbers 35:9-34) demonstrated the careful distinction between intentional murder and accidental manslaughter in biblical law.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀνδροφόνος in 1 Timothy 1:9 serves to emphasize the serious nature of murder as a violation of God’s law and the image of God in humans. This connects to the fundamental principle established in Genesis 9:6, where murder is prohibited because humans are made in God’s image.

The appearance of this term in a list of serious sins also highlights the transformative power of God’s grace, as demonstrated in cases like Paul himself, who had been complicit in the death of Stephen and persecution of believers, yet received mercy. This tension between justice and mercy reveals both God’s holiness in condemning murder and His grace in offering redemption to all who repent.

Personal Application

Understanding the gravity of ἀνδροφόνος challenges us to examine our own hearts regarding anger and hatred, remembering Yeshua’s teaching that these attitudes are the root of murder (Matthew 5:21-22). It calls us to value and protect human life as sacred, made in God’s image.

This word also reminds us that no sin is beyond God’s forgiveness when met with genuine repentance, as demonstrated by biblical examples like Moses and David, who were guilty of taking life yet were used powerfully by God after their repentance.

Related Words

• φονεύς (phoneus) – killer, murderer – more general term for one who kills – Emphasizes the act rather than the specific targeting of humans. See G5406
• φόνος (phonos) – murder, slaughter – The act of killing rather than the perpetrator. See G5408
• μιαιφόνος (miaiphonos) – bloodthirsty, murderous – Emphasizes the defiling nature of bloodshed. See G3164
• πατρολῴας (patrolōas) – father-killer – Specific term for patricide. See G3964

Did you Know?

• The compound structure of ἀνδροφόνος (ἀνήρ + φόνος) parallels similar compounds in other ancient legal codes, showing the universal recognition of murder as a distinct and serious crime.
• While ἀνδροφόνος appears only once in the New Testament, related concepts of murder and bloodguilt appear over 100 times throughout Scripture, demonstrating the consistency of God’s view on the sanctity of human life.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀνδροφόνος in legal contexts, maintaining its ancient meaning and gravity in contemporary law.

Remember This

ἀνδροφόνος stands as a sobering reminder of both the gravity of taking human life and the magnificent scope of divine grace that can transform even the darkest human acts.