### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective G2286 (thanásimos) is derived directly from the noun G2288 (thanatos), which signifies "death." Consequently, its core meaning revolves around that which is "death-bringing," "fatal," or "deadly." The provided definition, "fatal, i.e. poisonous," accurately captures its primary semantic range, indicating something possessing the inherent quality or power to cause death, particularly through ingestion or contact. It describes a lethal characteristic, often associated with substances like poison or venom, rather than the act of dying itself. The English translation "deadly" effectively conveys this sense of potent lethality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G2286 (thanásimos) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Mark:
* **[[Mark 16:18]]**: "they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any G2286 (thanásimos) thing, it will not harm them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
This verse is part of the "longer ending of Mark" ([[Mark 16:9-20]]), a section of the Gospel whose textual authenticity has been debated among scholars, though it has been widely accepted and utilized in Christian tradition for centuries. In this context, G2286 (thanásimos) clearly refers to a "deadly" or "poisonous" substance. The statement is a promise of divine protection for believers engaged in the mission of proclaiming the Gospel. It asserts that even if they were to inadvertently or purposefully consume a lethal substance, it would miraculously not cause them harm. This specific instance highlights God's supernatural power to preserve His servants in the face of mortal danger, acting as a sign accompanying those who believe.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **G2288 (thanatos):** As the root noun, G2288 (thanatos) is fundamentally linked to G2286 (thanásimos). While G2288 (thanatos) refers to "death" itself (physical, spiritual, or eternal), G2286 (thanásimos) describes that which *leads to* or *causes* such death. Understanding the broad biblical concept of G2288 (thanatos) is crucial for grasping the full implication of G2286 (thanásimos).
* **Poison/Venom:** The context of [[Mark 16:18]] directly associates G2286 (thanásimos) with substances that are poisonous or venomous. This brings into consideration biblical themes of healing, divine preservation, and the nullification of harmful agents.
* **Divine Protection/Miracle:** The unique occurrence of G2286 (thanásimos) is embedded within a list of miraculous signs. This connects it to the broader biblical concept of God's supernatural intervention to protect His people (e.g., Daniel in the lion's den, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, Paul's immunity to the viper in [[Acts 28:3-6]]).
* **Signs of the Kingdom:** The "deadly thing" that does not harm is presented as a sign attesting to the power and truth of the Gospel message and the authority of those who proclaim it.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of G2286 (thanásimos) in [[Mark 16:18]] carries profound theological weight, particularly concerning divine sovereignty and protection:
* **God's Sovereignty Over Life and Death:** The promise that "if they drink any G2286 (thanásimos) thing, it will not harm them" powerfully illustrates God's ultimate control over all creation, including the most potent agents of death. Even that which is inherently deadly is subject to His will and can be rendered harmless by His divine decree.
* **Divine Protection in Ministry:** This verse offers a specific assurance of divine protection for those engaged in the perilous work of advancing God's kingdom. It suggests that God will supernaturally safeguard His servants from dangers that would otherwise be lethal, enabling them to fulfill their mission. This is not a license for recklessness, but a testament to God's commitment to His purposes and His people.
* **Authentication of the Gospel:** The miraculous signs, including immunity to G2286 (thanásimos) substances, serve as a divine authentication of the Gospel message being proclaimed. They are not merely displays of power but confirmations that God is indeed working through His messengers.
* **Faith and Trust:** The promise implicitly calls for faith. Believers are to trust in God's power to preserve them, even when facing physically G2286 (thanásimos) situations. This echoes broader biblical themes of trusting God in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
* **Metaphorical Application to Spiritual Warfare:** While literally referring to physical poison, G2286 (thanásimos) can also serve as a powerful metaphor for the spiritually "deadly" influences of sin, false teaching, and demonic attacks. Just as God protects physically, He also provides spiritual protection against the G2286 (thanásimos) snares of the enemy, preserving the spiritual life of His followers.
### Summary
The Greek word G2286 (thanásimos), meaning "deadly" or "fatal" and derived from G2288 (thanatos) ("death"), refers to anything possessing the power to cause death, particularly a poisonous substance. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Mark 16:18]] describes a "deadly thing" that believers, under divine protection, will consume without harm. This singular usage, found within the longer ending of Mark, profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, His miraculous power to preserve His servants in the face of lethal threats, and the divine authentication of the Gospel message. Theologically, G2286 (thanásimos) highlights God's protective care for those engaged in His mission, emphasizing the necessity of faith in His ability to nullify even the most G2286 (thanásimos) dangers for His purposes.
TRV