The Greek noun ἀνδροφόνος (androfonos) means “murderer” or “man-slayer.” It is derived from the Greek words ἀνήρ (anēr), meaning “man,” and φονεύς (phoney), meaning “murderer” or “slayer.” The term is used to describe someone who kills or slays men, particularly in a criminal or morally reprehensible context.

Detailed Overview

According to Strong’s Concordance, ἀνδροφόνος (G409) is used in the New Testament in 1 Timothy 1:9, where Paul lists “murderers” among those who are contrary to sound doctrine. This usage underscores the term’s application to individuals who commit the grave sin of killing others.

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The Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon further explains that ἀνδροφόνος refers to a “murderer” or “man-slayer,” highlighting its specific use to describe those who commit murder. BDAG notes that the term encompasses the concept of unlawfully taking human life, aligning with its moral and legal implications in biblical contexts.

The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon supports this interpretation by describing ἀνδροφόνος as related to the concept of a “murderer” or “man-slayer.” LSJ emphasizes its use in contexts where the act of killing is viewed as a serious moral or legal violation, reflecting the term’s gravity.

In summary, ἀνδροφόνος primarily means “murderer” or “man-slayer,” indicating someone who unlawfully takes human life. This meaning is consistently supported by Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, and LSJ, each providing context for its use in describing individuals who commit murder or slaying in biblical and classical Greek literature.