### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **thanatóō**, represented by `{{G2289}}`, is derived from θάνατος (death) and means to kill, either literally or figuratively. It is defined as to "become dead, (cause to be) put to death, kill, mortify." It appears **17 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible, describing both physical execution and spiritual action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{G2289}}` is frequently used to describe the plot against Jesus, where the chief priests and elders took counsel to **put** him **to death** ([[Matthew 27:1]]; [[Mark 14:55]]). It also describes the persecution and martyrdom believers would face, where family members would **cause** them **to be put to death** ([[Mark 13:12]]; [[Luke 21:16]]). Figuratively, the term describes a believer's relationship to sin and the law. Paul uses it to explain that believers have **become dead** to the law through Christ's body [[Romans 7:4]] and must actively **mortify** the deeds of the body through the Spirit [[Romans 8:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of death and life:
* `{{G2288}}` **thánatos** (death): As the noun form from which `{{G2289}}` is derived, this word signifies the state of death. It is used in passages where brother betrays brother to **death** [[Mark 13:12]], an event that leads to being "put to death" `{{G2289}}`.
* `{{G2227}}` **zōopoiéō** (to make alive, give life, quicken): This word serves as a direct contrast to being put to death. Christ was **put to death** `{{G2289}}` in the flesh but **quickened** `{{G2227}}` by the Spirit [[1 Peter 3:18]].
* `{{G3860}}` **paradídōmi** (to surrender, betray, deliver up): This verb often precedes the action of `{{G2289}}`. A brother will first **deliver up** `{{G3860}}` his brother, which then results in him being **put to death** `{{G2289}}` [[Matthew 10:21]].
* `{{G3498}}` **nekrós** (dead): This adjective describes the state of being dead from which one is raised. Believers are joined to Christ who was raised from the **dead** `{{G3498}}`, after they have **become dead** `{{G2289}}` to the law [[Romans 7:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2289}}` is significant in several key areas:
* **The Death of Christ:** The term is used to describe the literal execution of Jesus. He was **put to death** in the flesh to bring believers to God [[1 Peter 3:18]].
* **Spiritual Mortification:** `{{G2289}}` defines an essential action in the Christian life. Believers are commanded to **mortify** the deeds of the body through the Spirit in order to live [[Romans 8:13]].
* **Identification with Christ:** The word signifies the believer's new position. Having **become dead** to the law [[Romans 7:4]], they are freed from its condemnation and united with the risen Christ.
* **The Cost of Discipleship:** It is used to describe the reality of persecution, where followers of Christ are **killed** all day long, accounted as sheep for the slaughter [[Romans 8:36]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2289}}` is a powerful verb that encompasses the physical, spiritual, and relational aspects of death. It describes the literal death of Christ and his followers, but it also carries the crucial figurative meaning of a believer's duty to put sin to death and their new identity as being dead to the law. The word illustrates the transition from being a passive victim of death to being an active agent in mortifying the flesh.
TRV