Understanding ἀποκτείνω (apokteino) Strong’s G615: The Power Over Life and Death in Biblical Context

Pronunciation Guide: ah-pok-TI-no

Basic Definition

Strong’s G615: ἀποκτείνω (apokteino) fundamentally means “to kill” or “to put to death.” This powerful verb carries both literal and metaphorical connotations of ending life or causing death. In biblical usage, it often appears in contexts discussing spiritual authority, divine sovereignty, and the struggle between light and darkness.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀπό (apo, “from, away from”) + κτείνω (kteino, “to kill”)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Frequently employed in prophetic literature and apocalyptic texts
• Common in both Classical and Koine Greek
• Found in active, passive, and middle voice constructions

ἀποκτείνω Morphology:

• ἀποκτείνω (present active indicative) – I kill
• ἀποκτενῶ (future active indicative) – I will kill
• ἀπέκτεινα (aorist active indicative) – I killed
• ἀπέκτονα (perfect active indicative) – I have killed
• ἀποκτείνομαι (present passive indicative) – I am being killed
• ἀπεκτάνθην (aorist passive indicative) – I was killed

Origin & History

The term ἀποκτείνω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, appearing prominently in works by Herodotus and Thucydides when describing military conflicts and political executions. In his “Histories,” Herodotus frequently employs the word to describe both judicial executions and battlefield deaths. The term gained particular significance in philosophical discourse through Plato’s “Apology,” where it describes the state’s power to execute Socrates.

In the Septuagint, ἀποκτείνω serves as the primary translation for the Hebrew verb הָרַג (harag), especially in narratives involving divine judgment or human violence. The early church fathers, particularly Origen in his “Contra Celsum” and John Chrysostom in his homilies, expanded its usage to include spiritual death and martyrdom.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Physical killing or causing death
• Judicial execution or capital punishment
• Metaphorical death or spiritual destruction
• Divine judgment resulting in death

ἀποκτείνω Translation Options:

• “to kill” – Most common translation, appropriate for straightforward narratives of physical death
• “to put to death” – Preferred for formal or judicial contexts
• “to slay” – Useful in poetic or dramatic contexts
• “to destroy” – Appropriate for metaphorical or spiritual usage
• “to execute” – Best for contexts involving official authority

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀποκτείνω appears frequently in contexts discussing persecution of believers, divine judgment, and spiritual warfare. Its first appearance in Matthew 10:28 establishes a crucial theological distinction between physical and spiritual death, highlighting יהוה (Yahweh)’s ultimate authority over both body and soul.

The term takes on special significance in the Gospels’ passion narratives, where it describes both the attempts to kill Jesus and His eventual crucifixion. In Revelation, it becomes a key term describing both martyrdom and divine judgment.

• “And do not fear those who kill [ἀποκτείνω] the body but cannot kill the soul.” Matthew 10:28
• “The thief comes only to steal and kill [ἀποκτείνω] and destroy.” John 10:10
• “For you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly [ἀποκτείνω].” John 4:18
• “They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills [ἀποκτείνω] you will think that he offers God service.” John 16:2
• “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death [ἀποκτείνω].” Revelation 12:11

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the power over life and death was considered a divine prerogative, reflected in the rabbinic principle of pikuach nefesh (saving a life). The Sanhedrin’s loss of capital punishment authority around 30 CE marked a significant shift in Jewish judicial practice, making the New Testament’s use of ἀποκτείνω in legal contexts particularly poignant.

The term also carried strong messianic implications, as the rabbis taught that the Messiah would have authority over both life and death. This understanding adds depth to passages where Jesus claims such authority, particularly in John 5:21-23.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀποκτείνω in Scripture reveals profound truths about God’s sovereignty over life and death. While humans may have the ability to end physical life, the repeated emphasis is on God’s ultimate authority over both physical and spiritual existence. This demonstrates His complete sovereignty while also highlighting His mercy, as He often chooses to give life rather than take it.

The term’s usage in martyrdom contexts reveals a powerful paradox: those who kill believers thinking they serve God actually validate the truth of the gospel through the faithful witness of those they persecute. This showcases God’s ability to bring ultimate good even from acts intended for evil.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀποκτείνω challenges us to examine our perspective on life, death, and ultimate authority. When we grasp that no earthly power can separate us from God’s love or destroy our spiritual life in Him, we can face persecution and trials with unprecedented courage and peace.

This word also calls us to recognize the sanctity of life and our responsibility to protect it, while simultaneously holding loosely to our physical existence in light of eternal realities. As believers, we’re called to be willing to lay down our lives for the gospel while treasuring the gift of life God has given us.

Related Words

• θανατόω (thanatoo) – to put to death, mortify (thah-nah-TO-oh) – Emphasizes the result of death rather than the act of killing See G2289
• σφάζω (sphazo) – to slay, slaughter (SFAH-zoh) – Often used for ritual or sacrificial killing See G4969
• φονεύω (phoneuo) – to murder (fon-YOO-oh) – Specifically refers to unlawful killing See G5407
• νεκρόω (nekroo) – to make dead, mortify (nek-RO-oh) – Often used metaphorically See G3499

Did you Know?

• The prefix ἀπό in ἀποκτείνω suggests completeness or finality, emphasizing that death is an irreversible separation of body and soul in physical terms.
• In modern Greek, ἀποκτείνω has evolved into αποκτείνω (still pronounced similarly) and maintains its serious connotation, being used primarily in formal or legal contexts rather than casual conversation.
• The term appears significantly more frequently in John’s writings than any other New Testament author, particularly in Revelation, where it plays a crucial role in describing both martyrdom and divine judgment.

Remember This

ἀποκτείνω reminds us that while humans may have power over the body, only God has ultimate authority over both physical and spiritual life.