a prolonged form of a primary root; to bite, i.e. (figuratively) thwart:--bite.
Transliteration:dáknō
Pronunciation:dak'-no
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb δάκνω (dáknō, `{{G1143}}`) derives from a primary root, conveying the fundamental action of "to bite." This literal sense, though not directly employed in the New Testament, forms the semantic bedrock for its singular figurative usage. In its extended semantic range, δάκνω moves beyond the physical act to encompass a metaphorical "biting" that implies wounding, vexing, irritating, or, most acutely, "to thwart" or "to malign." It denotes an aggressive, destructive interaction, akin to a venomous attack or a sharp, injurious verbal assault. The inherent connotation is one of hostility, antagonism, and the infliction of harm, whether through direct confrontation or insidious undermining.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δάκνω (dáknō, `{{G1143}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul's epistle to the Galatians:
* **[[Galatians 5:15]]**: "But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another."
In this powerful admonition, Paul employs a vivid and visceral metaphor to describe the destructive internal strife threatening the Galatian churches. The context is a sharp contrast between walking by the Spirit, which leads to love and mutual service (v. 13-14), and yielding to the desires of the flesh, which manifests in discord and animosity (v. 16-21). "To bite" (δάκνω) here signifies verbal aggression, malicious criticism, backbiting, and the sharp, injurious words exchanged between believers. The subsequent verb, "devour" (κατεσθίετε, from `{{G2719}}`), intensifies the imagery, suggesting a complete consumption or destruction, much like predatory animals. The consequence is dire: "watch out that you are not consumed by one another." This implies that such internal conflict is not merely harmful but ultimately self-destructive, leading to the disintegration of the community itself. Paul is not speaking of minor disagreements but of a pervasive, hostile spirit that threatens to tear the church apart from within, undermining its witness and its very existence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept conveyed by δάκνω (dáknō, `{{G1143}}`) stands in stark opposition to the core Christian virtues and finds parallels with various negative expressions of the flesh.
* **Antonyms/Opposites:** The most direct antonym is **ἀγάπη** (agapē, `{{G26}}`), selfless love, which is the "fruit of the Spirit" and the fulfilling of the law. Other contrasting concepts include **εἰρήνη** (eirēnē, `{{G1515}}`, peace), **ἑνότης** (henotēs, unity), and **διακονία** (diakonia, `{{G1248}}`, service). Paul's exhortation to "serve one another through love" ([[Galatians 5:13]]) directly counters the impulse to "bite and devour."
* **Synonyms/Related Negative Concepts:** The destructive behavior of "biting" aligns with other "works of the flesh" listed by Paul in [[Galatians 5:19-21]]: **ἔρις** (eris, `{{G2054}}`, strife), **ζῆλος** (zēlos, `{{G2205}}`, jealousy), **θυμός** (thymos, `{{G2372}}`, anger/rage), **διχοστασία** (dichostasia, `{{G1370}}`, dissension/division), and **αἵρεσις** (hairesis, `{{G139}}`, factions). It also resonates with the concept of **καταλαλέω** (katalaleō, `{{G2635}}`, to speak evil against, slander) and **ψευδομαρτυρία** (pseudomartyria, `{{G5577}}`, false witness), which are forms of verbal aggression.
* **Figurative Language:** The metaphor of "biting" and "devouring" is reminiscent of Old Testament imagery where destructive forces or malicious speech are likened to wild animals or venomous creatures (e.g., [[Psalm 58:4]], [[Proverbs 23:32]]).
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of δάκνω (dáknō, `{{G1143}}`) carries profound theological weight, serving as a powerful warning against behaviors antithetical to the nature of Christian community and the work of the Holy Spirit.
1. **Violation of Agape and the Law:** "Biting" directly violates the supreme command to "love your neighbor as yourself" ([[Galatians 5:14]], citing [[Leviticus 19:18]]). It represents a failure to live out the law of Christ, which is fulfilled in love. Such behavior demonstrates a profound lack of agape, which builds up rather than tears down.
2. **Antithetical to the Spirit-Filled Life:** Paul places "biting and devouring" in stark contrast to walking by the Spirit. It is a clear manifestation of the flesh's desires, which are "against the Spirit" ([[Galatians 5:17]]). A community characterized by δάκνω is one where the Spirit's influence is quenched, and the flesh reigns, leading to spiritual barrenness and disunity.
3. **Undermining the Unity of the Body of Christ:** The Church is called to be one body in Christ, where members function in harmony and mutual edification (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 12:12-27]], [[Ephesians 4:1-3]]). "Biting" represents a dismemberment of this body, an internal auto-cannibalism that destroys its very fabric. It negates the fellowship (κοινωνία, koinōnia, `{{G2842}}`) that is central to Christian identity.
4. **Warning Against Self-Destruction:** The phrase "consumed by one another" highlights the ultimate consequence of internal strife: the community's self-annihilation. This is a severe theological warning that a church divided against itself cannot stand, and its witness will be nullified. It underscores the vital importance of resolving conflict biblically and pursuing peace and unity.
5. **Ethical Imperative for Believers:** The passage serves as a timeless ethical imperative for believers to guard their tongues and attitudes, recognizing that words and actions can be as destructive as a physical bite. It calls for self-control, humility, and a commitment to edifying one another in love rather than tearing down.
### Summary
The Greek term δάκνω (dáknō, `{{G1143}}`), literally meaning "to bite," functions as a potent metaphor in its sole New Testament appearance in [[Galatians 5:15]]. There, it vividly portrays destructive verbal aggression, malicious criticism, and infighting within the Christian community. Paired with "devour," it paints a picture of a spiritual cannibalism that threatens the very existence of the church. Theologically, δάκνω stands as a stark antithesis to the Spirit-filled life, love (ἀγάπη, `{{G26}}`), and the unity of the Body of Christ. It is a manifestation of the flesh's destructive desires, leading to internal strife that ultimately consumes the community from within. Paul's use of this powerful imagery serves as a critical warning against the perils of disunity and a profound call for believers to walk in the Spirit, fostering mutual love and service rather than engaging in self-destructive conflict.
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