### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **thanatḗphoros**, represented by `{{G2287}}`, means **deadly**. Derived from the words for "death" and "to bear," its definition as "death-bearing, i.e. fatal" conveys a sense of lethal power. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, making its single biblical usage particularly pointed and significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{G2287}}` is used to describe the destructive capacity of the human tongue. The book of James highlights that while every kind of animal can be tamed by mankind, the tongue can be tamed by **no man** `{{G444}}` [[James 3:7-8]]. The passage describes the tongue as an unruly `{{G183}}` evil `{{G2556}}`, which is full `{{G3324}}` of **deadly** poison `{{G2447}}`. This context directly equates the potential of unrestrained speech with a fatal, death-bearing substance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the passage illuminate the concept of the tongue's **deadly** nature:
* `{{G1100}}` **glōssa** (the tongue; by implication, a language): This is the subject being described as **deadly**. The same chapter calls the **tongue** a fire and a world of iniquity [[James 3:6]].
* `{{G1150}}` **damázō** (to tame): This word establishes the core problem. While mankind has **tamed** many creatures, the tongue remains untamable by any man [[James 3:8]].
* `{{G183}}` **akatáschetos** (unrestrainable:--unruly): This adjective, also appearing only once in the dossier's data, directly describes the tongue, emphasizing its uncontrollable character right before it is called **deadly** [[James 3:8]].
* `{{G2447}}` **iós** (rust... also venom (as emitted by serpents):--poison, rust): This is the substance that `{{G2287}}` modifies. The tongue is not just filled with **poison**, but specifically **deadly poison** [[James 3:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2287}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful use.
* **The Power of Words:** By describing the tongue's poison as **deadly**, the scripture elevates harmful speech from a simple failing to a fatal force. It underscores that words can be literally "death-bearing," causing profound and destructive harm [[James 3:8]].
* **Human Inability:** The passage explicitly states that **no man** `{{G3762}}` `{{G444}}` **can** `{{G1410}}` tame the tongue [[James 3:8]]. This highlights a core aspect of human limitation—an inherent inability to control our own injurious `{{G2556}}` nature apart from a greater power.
* **A Symptom of Evil:** The tongue is identified as an **unruly** `{{G183}}` **evil** `{{G2556}}` filled with **deadly** poison. This points to a deeper, internal source for this venom, illustrating how external actions like speech reveal an internal state of being.
### Summary
In summary, **thanatḗphoros** `{{G2287}}` is a potent and specific term. Though used only once, its description of the tongue as being "full of **deadly** poison" provides a stark theological warning [[James 3:8]]. It serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive, death-bearing potential of uncontrolled speech and the inherent inability of humanity to restrain this unruly evil on its own. The word encapsulates the ultimate gravity of sin as expressed through language.
TRV