Murder and Malice: φόνος (Strong’s G5408: phonos) Reveals Sin’s Heart

Strong’s G5408: From the root phen- meaning “to strike,” φόνος (phonos) denotes murder, slaughter, or killing. In Biblical usage, it represents both the act of murder and the murderous intent of the heart, highlighting humanity’s fallen nature and need for redemption through the Messiah’s sacrifice.

U- Unveiling the Word

φόνος represents more than just the physical act of murder – it embodies the darker aspects of human nature that the Messiah addressed in His teachings. While the word literally means “murder” or “slaughter,” its usage in the New Testament often appears in lists of vices that proceed from the corrupt human heart. The significance lies not just in the act itself, but in its origin within human sinfulness. This understanding shaped early church teachings on the sanctity of life and the need for heart transformation. Today, φόνος reminds us that sin begins in the heart, as the Messiah taught in Matthew 5:21-22, emphasizing our need for inner transformation through the Holy Spirit.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φόνος, phonos, /ˈfoʊ.nɒs/
• Detailed pronunciation: FOH-nos (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun (Masculine)

Etymology:

• Root: φεν- (phen-) meaning “to strike” or “to slay”
• Suffix: -ος (-os) masculine noun ending
• Related to the verb φένω (phenō), meaning “to slay” or “to kill”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: Murder, slaughter
• Secondary meanings: Murderous intent, bloodshed
• Metaphorical usage: Spiritual death or destruction

For compound words:
Not applicable as φόνος is a simple noun

Translation Options:

1. Murder – Most precise for intentional killing
2. Slaughter – Appropriate for contexts emphasizing violence
3. Killing – General term, though may not capture the intentional nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σφάζω (sphazō, /sfaːˈzoː/) – To slaughter, butcher – See G4969
• ἀποκτείνω (apokteinō, /a.poˈktei.noː/) – To kill, put to death – See G615
• θανατόω (thanatoō, /θa.naˈto.oː/) – To put to death, mortify – See G2289

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative: φόνος (phonos)
• Genitive: φόνου (phonou)
• Dative: φόνῳ (phonō)
• Accusative: φόνον (phonon)

Related words:

• Verb form: φονεύω (phoneuō) – to murder
• Adjective form: φόνιος (phonios) – murderous

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into φόνος. BDAG emphasizes its use in vice lists, indicating its role in describing human depravity. Thayer’s highlights its connection to premeditated murder, distinguishing it from accidental killing. LSJ traces its classical usage back to Homer, showing its long history in Greek literature. Vine’s notes its frequent pairing with other sins of violence. Strong’s connects it to the concept of intentional slaying. LEH emphasizes its use in the Septuagint for deliberate homicide. Moulton and Milligan’s papyri evidence shows its consistent legal usage in criminal contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders [φόνοι], adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.” Matthew 15:19

Additional References:
Mark 7:21, Romans 1:29, Galatians 5:21, Revelation 9:21

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

φόνος serves as a powerful reminder of humanity’s fallen condition and our desperate need for salvation. Its appearance in vice lists throughout the New Testament highlights how sin originates in the heart, leading to destructive actions. Yet the good news is that through the Messiah’s sacrificial death and resurrection, we can experience heart transformation. His blood cleanses us from all sin, including murderous thoughts and actions, offering hope and redemption to all who trust in Him.

D – Did You Know?

1. φόνος appears in ancient Greek medical texts describing “deadly” diseases
2. The word was used in Greek legal documents for capital punishment cases
3. Early church fathers used φόνος to describe martyrdom, distinguishing between murder and sacrificial death

Strong’s G5408: From the root phen- meaning “to strike,” φόνος (phonos) denotes murder, slaughter, or killing. In Biblical usage, it represents both the act of murder and the murderous intent of the heart, highlighting humanity’s fallen nature and need for redemption through the Messiah’s sacrifice.

Part of speech: Noun (Masculine)

Tags: murder, killing, slaughter, sin, heart, violence, vice, death, crime, morality, redemption, transformation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​