from a presumed compound of the base of ἥμισυ and θνήσκω; half dead, i.e. entirely exhausted:--half dead.
Transliteration:hēmithanḗs
Pronunciation:hay-mee-than-ace'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word hēmithanḗs (`{{G2253}}`) is a compound adjective derived from hēmisy (`{{G2255}}`), meaning "half," and thnēskō (`{{G2348}}`), meaning "to die." Literally, it signifies "half-dead." This term does not denote a precise biological state of being partially deceased but rather describes a condition of extreme injury, near-fatal debilitation, or utter exhaustion. It conveys a vivid picture of someone on the very brink of death, incapacitated and desperately in need of assistance. Its semantic range emphasizes the severity of a person's condition, highlighting their vulnerability and helplessness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word hēmithanḗs (`{{G2253}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke, within the profound Parable of the Good Samaritan:
* **[[Luke 10:30]]**: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him **half dead**."
In this singular occurrence, the term powerfully conveys the critical state of the man who had been assaulted. He was not merely injured, but left in a condition so dire that he was on the verge of death. This detail is crucial for the narrative, as it underscores the immediate and life-threatening danger the man faced, thereby intensifying the moral dilemma presented to the priest, the Levite, and ultimately, the Samaritan. The "half-dead" state highlights the man's complete inability to help himself and the absolute necessity of intervention, serving as the backdrop against which the compassion of the Samaritan shines forth in stark contrast to the indifference of the others.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding hēmithanḗs (`{{G2253}}`) is enhanced by considering its root and related concepts:
* thnēskō (`{{G2348}}`): The base verb meaning "to die," which forms the latter part of hēmithanḗs, emphasizing the proximity to death.
* apothnēskō (`{{G599}}`): A more common compound of thnēskō, also meaning "to die" or "to be dead."
* plegē (`{{G4127}}`): "A blow, wound," referring to the injuries inflicted upon the man.
* traumatizō (`{{G5186}}`): "To wound, injure," describing the action of the thieves.
* The concept of human vulnerability: The "half-dead" man represents the fragility of human life and the ease with which it can be shattered by evil or neglect.
* The theological concepts of mercy (eleos `{{G1656}}`), compassion (splagchnizomai `{{G4697}}`), and neighborliness (plēsion `{{G4139}}`), which are central to the parable's message and are illuminated by the desperate state of the injured man.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of hēmithanḗs (`{{G2253}}`) in the Parable of the Good Samaritan carries profound theological weight. The "half-dead" man is not merely a victim of crime but becomes a universal symbol of humanity's desperate need.
1. **Humanity's Fallen State**: Metaphorically, the "half-dead" condition can represent the spiritual state of humanity wounded by sin, stripped of its original glory, and left incapacitated on the journey of life, unable to save itself. It underscores the need for divine intervention and healing.
2. **The Call to Compassion**: The extreme state of the man makes the neglect of the priest and Levite all the more egregious and the compassion of the Samaritan all the more radical and exemplary. It highlights that true love for neighbor extends even to those who are utterly helpless and despised, transcending social, ethnic, or religious boundaries. The "half-dead" state demands an immediate and sacrificial response.
3. **Christ as the Good Samaritan**: Many patristic interpretations have seen Christ as the ultimate Good Samaritan, coming to the aid of a "half-dead" humanity, binding its wounds, pouring in the oil and wine of grace, and bringing it to the inn of the Church for full recovery.
4. **Practical Application of Love**: The term emphasizes that genuine love is not abstract but practical, responding directly to tangible suffering and critical need, even when inconvenient or costly.
### Summary
The Greek word hēmithanḗs (`{{G2253}}`), meaning "half-dead," is a potent descriptor of extreme injury and near-fatal debilitation. Though appearing only once in the New Testament, its placement in [[Luke 10:30]] within the Parable of the Good Samaritan is pivotal. It vividly portrays the critical state of the man attacked by robbers, underscoring his utter helplessness and desperate need for aid. Theologically, hēmithanḗs highlights human vulnerability and the profound call to compassionate action. It serves as a stark contrast to indifference, emphasizing the radical and sacrificial nature of true neighborly love, and can be seen as a metaphor for humanity's spiritually wounded state awaiting divine intervention.
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