from (the feminine form of) θάνατος and φέρω; death-bearing, i.e. fatal:--deadly.
Transliteration:thanatḗphoros
Pronunciation:than-at-ay'-for-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective θανατήφορος (thanatḗphoros, `{{G2287}}`) is a compound word derived from two significant roots: θάνατος (thanatos, `{{G2288}}`), meaning "death," and φέρω (pherō, `{{G5342}}`), meaning "to bear" or "to carry." Thus, its core semantic range directly translates to "death-bearing," "death-bringing," or "carrying death." This inherently implies a quality or characteristic that is fatal, lethal, or deadly, capable of causing demise or profound destruction. The word emphasizes the active transmission or inherent capacity to inflict death, whether physical or, as seen in its biblical context, a more figurative, spiritual, or relational demise.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term θανατήφορος (thanatḗphoros, `{{G2287}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the Epistle of James:
* **[[James 3:8]]**: "but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison."
In this solitary occurrence, the tongue is described as "full of deadly poison" (ἰοῦ θανατηφόρου). The context of James 3 is a profound discourse on the power and danger of the tongue. James portrays the tongue as a small member that can boast great things, set a forest ablaze, and defile the whole body. The imagery of "deadly poison" (ἰός, `{{G2447}}`, meaning poison or venom) underscores the lethal potential of uncontrolled speech. This "deadly" quality does not necessarily refer to physical death, but rather to the devastating, destructive, and ruinous effects that malicious, deceitful, or untamed words can have on relationships, communities, and the spiritual well-being of individuals. It suggests a venomous quality that corrupts and destroys life, peace, and harmony, leading to spiritual or relational death.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of θανατήφορος (thanatḗphoros, `{{G2287}}`) is deeply intertwined with its constituent parts and related concepts:
* **θάνατος (thanatos, `{{G2288}}`)**: This is the primary root, signifying "death" in its various forms—physical, spiritual, and eternal. The adjective θανατήφορος directly points to something that leads to or embodies this state of death.
* **φέρω (pherō, `{{G5342}}`)**: The verb "to bear" or "to carry" highlights the active role of the subject in bringing about death or destruction. It is not merely a passive state but an active conveyance.
* **ἰός (ios, `{{G2447}}`)**: Meaning "poison" or "venom," this noun is used in conjunction with θανατήφορος in [[James 3:8]]. The combination "deadly poison" powerfully illustrates the destructive and corrupting nature of the tongue, akin to the venom of a serpent.
* **Concepts of Destruction and Corruption**: The word evokes broader biblical themes of the destructive power of sin, the corrupting influence of evil, and the lethal consequences of unrighteousness, particularly as manifested through speech. This connects to warnings against slander, gossip, and false witness throughout Scripture.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of θανατήφορος (thanatḗphoros, `{{G2287}}`) in [[James 3:8]] carries profound theological weight, primarily highlighting the immense and dangerous power of the human tongue.
1. **The Gravity of Speech**: By describing the tongue as "full of deadly poison," James elevates the seriousness of verbal sin. It is not merely a minor transgression but something capable of inflicting spiritual, relational, and moral devastation, akin to a lethal venom. This underscores the biblical teaching that words are not neutral but possess creative or destructive power.
2. **Human Inability and Divine Necessity**: The declaration that "no human being can tame the tongue" ([[James 3:8]]) points to the deep-seated nature of sin within humanity and the need for divine intervention and grace. It implies that true control over such a "deadly" instrument requires more than human effort; it necessitates a transformed heart, indwelt and guided by the Holy Spirit.
3. **Contrast with Life-Giving Speech**: This "death-bearing" quality of the untamed tongue stands in stark contrast to the life-giving, edifying, and truthful speech that characterizes the Spirit-filled believer. The passage implicitly calls believers to use their tongues for blessing, praise, and sharing the gospel, rather than for destructive purposes.
4. **Echoes of the Fall**: The imagery of "poison" can subtly evoke the serpent's deceptive words in the Garden of Eden, which brought spiritual death into the world. Thus, "deadly poison" in the tongue links destructive speech to the very origins of sin and its lethal consequences.
### Summary
The Greek word θανατήφορος (thanatḗphoros, `{{G2287}}`) literally means "death-bearing" or "fatal." Its sole appearance in the New Testament, in [[James 3:8]], profoundly illustrates the destructive potential of the untamed tongue, describing it as "full of deadly poison." This usage emphasizes not necessarily physical death, but the profound spiritual, relational, and moral ruin that uncontrolled and malicious speech can inflict. Theologically, it highlights the gravity of verbal sin, the human inability to fully control such a potent force without divine aid, and the stark contrast between destructive words and the life-giving speech characteristic of a sanctified life.
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