from θάνατος to kill (literally or figuratively):--become dead, (cause to be) put to death, kill, mortify.
Transliteration:thanatóō
Pronunciation:than-at-o'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2289}}` (thanatóō) is derived directly from the noun `{{G2288}}` (thanatos), meaning "death." Consequently, its core meaning is "to cause death," "to put to death," or "to kill." The semantic range extends beyond mere physical annihilation to include figurative and spiritual applications. Literally, it refers to execution or causing the cessation of life. Figuratively, it denotes the act of "mortifying" or "putting to death" something that is alive in a spiritual or ethical sense, such as sinful desires or the "deeds of the body." The verb can appear in both active and passive voices, signifying "to kill" or "to be put to death," respectively. Its nuances include not just the act of killing, but the process of rendering something dead or powerless.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G2289}}` appears approximately 15 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Pauline epistles.
In the Gospels, `{{G2289}}` is frequently used in a literal sense, referring to the legal process or intention to put someone to death, particularly Jesus.
* [[Matthew 10:21]] and [[Mark 13:12]] speak of family members delivering each other up to be "put to death" (θανατώσουσιν) during times of persecution, highlighting the severe cost of discipleship.
* [[Matthew 26:59]], [[Matthew 27:1]], [[Mark 14:55]], and [[Mark 15:1]] describe the Jewish authorities' determination to "put Jesus to death" (θανατῶσαι), underscoring the legal and political aspects of His crucifixion.
* [[Luke 21:16]] similarly warns disciples that they will be "put to death" (θανατώσουσιν) by their own kin for their faith.
* [[Philippians 2:8]] states that Christ "humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." While `{{G2289}}` is not used here for Christ's *death* itself (rather `{{G2288}}` is used for the *result*), the concept of being put to death is central to His obedience. [[1 Peter 3:18]] states Christ was "put to death in the flesh" (θανατωθεὶς μὲν σαρκί), emphasizing the physical reality of His sacrifice.
In Paul's epistles, `{{G2289}}` takes on profound theological and ethical dimensions:
* [[Romans 7:4]] uses the passive voice (ἐθανατώθητε): "you also were made to die to the law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God." Here, "being made to die to the law" signifies a liberation from the Law's dominion, enabling a new life in Christ.
* [[Romans 8:13]] employs the active voice (θανατοῦτε): "if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." This is a crucial command for sanctification, urging believers to actively suppress and eliminate sinful practices through the power of the Holy Spirit.
* [[2 Corinthians 6:9]] uses it in a metaphorical sense in a list of paradoxes describing the apostles' suffering: "as dying, and behold, we live." This speaks to the constant threat of death and suffering they faced, yet paradoxically, they continued to live and serve.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G2289}}` is intimately connected to its root noun, `{{G2288}}` (thanatos), "death," which is the state or outcome it produces. Other related verbs that convey the act of killing include:
* `{{G616}}` (apokteinō): "to kill," often with a sense of violent or direct slaying. While `{{G2289}}` focuses on causing the state of death, `{{G616}}` emphasizes the act of killing itself.
* `{{G615}}` (apothnēskō): "to die," "to be dead," focusing on the state of dying or having died, rather than the act of causing death.
The concept of "mortification" in [[Romans 8:13]] parallels `{{G3499}}` (nekróō) in [[Colossians 3:5]], which means "to make dead" or "to put to death" (specifically, "your members which are on the earth"). Both verbs convey the spiritual imperative to put an end to sinful patterns of life.
Theological concepts closely related to `{{G2289}}` include:
* **Crucifixion with Christ:** The believer's identification with Christ's death, dying to sin and the old self.
* **Sanctification:** The ongoing process of becoming more like Christ, which involves putting off the old self and its sinful desires.
* **Martyrdom:** The ultimate sacrifice of life for one's faith, as seen in the literal uses of the word.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2289}}` is profound and multifaceted.
Firstly, it underscores the **reality and finality of Christ's physical death**. He was truly "put to death" ([[1 Peter 3:18]]) as a propitiatory sacrifice for sin, fulfilling prophecy and securing redemption. This literal application of `{{G2289}}` highlights the gravity of sin and the immense cost of atonement.
Secondly, `{{G2289}}` illuminates the **believer's spiritual transformation**. In [[Romans 7:4]], being "made to die to the law" signifies a new covenant reality. Believers are no longer under the condemnation of the Mosaic Law but are united with the resurrected Christ, free to bear fruit for God. This is not self-effort but a divine act of liberation.
Thirdly, and perhaps most practically for the Christian life, `{{G2289}}` in [[Romans 8:13]] presents the imperative of **spiritual mortification**. "Putting to death the deeds of the body" is an active, Spirit-empowered endeavor. It is the ongoing process of crucifying the flesh, denying sinful impulses, and choosing righteousness. This is not about self-punishment but about living in the freedom and power of the Holy Spirit, leading to true life. This active "killing" of sin is essential for spiritual vitality and growth.
Finally, the literal uses of `{{G2289}}` in the context of persecution ([[Matthew 10:21]], [[Luke 21:16]]) remind us of the **cost of discipleship** and the ultimate witness of martyrs who are willing to be "put to death" for their faith, mirroring Christ's own obedience to death.
### Summary
`{{G2289}}` (thanatóō) is a powerful Greek verb meaning "to kill" or "to put to death," derived from the word for "death" (`{{G2288}}`). Its usage in the New Testament spans both literal and figurative applications. Literally, it describes the act of causing physical death, most notably in the context of Jesus' crucifixion and the persecution of His followers. Figuratively, it carries deep theological weight, particularly in Paul's writings, where it signifies being "made to die to the law" ([[Romans 7:4]]) and the active command to "put to death the deeds of the body" ([[Romans 8:13]]). This spiritual mortification, enabled by the Holy Spirit, is central to the believer's sanctification and liberation from sin's dominion. Thus, `{{G2289}}` encapsulates both the redemptive death of Christ and the transformative call for believers to die to self and sin, leading to new life in Him.
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