of uncertain affinity; to extinguish (as fire), i.e. (figuratively and passively) to pass away:--fade away.
Transliteration:maraínō
Pronunciation:mar-ah'-ee-no
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb μαραίνω (maraínō, `{{G3133}}`) carries the core meaning of "to wither," "to fade," or "to extinguish." Its primary sense evokes the natural process of decay or loss of vitality, often applied to organic matter such as plants or flowers. Figuratively, it extends to the cessation of something, akin to a fire being put out or a light dimming into non-existence. The Strong's definition notes its "uncertain affinity," suggesting its meaning is derived more from its usage than clear etymological roots from other words. Crucially, in its biblical occurrence, it functions in a passive sense, indicating that something *is caused* to fade or *fades away* on its own, emphasizing an inherent perishability rather than an active act of destruction. It speaks to a gradual, inevitable decline towards disappearance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb μαραίνω (maraínō, `{{G3133}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the Epistle of James:
* **[[James 1:11]]**: "For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits."
In this powerful passage, James employs a vivid natural metaphor to illustrate the transience of human life and earthly possessions. The scorching sun, a symbol of intense trial or perhaps simply the relentless march of time, causes the grass to "wither" (ξηραίνω, xērainō, not μαραίνω itself, but a related concept of drying up) and its flower to fall, leading to the perishing of its beauty. The parallelism then applies this natural decay directly to the "rich man." The phrase "fade away" (μαραίνω) here underscores the inevitable and often swift decline of worldly wealth, status, and even life itself. The rich man's fading occurs "in the midst of his pursuits," highlighting the sudden and often unexpected end to his earthly endeavors, rendering his accumulated treasures meaningless in the face of eternity. The passive voice ("will fade away") emphasizes the inherent impermanence of such things, subject to forces beyond human control.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept conveyed by μαραίνω (maraínō, `{{G3133}}`) resonates with several other biblical themes and terms that speak to transience, decay, and the fleeting nature of life and earthly things:
* **Perish/Destroy**: Words like ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi, `{{G622}}`), meaning "to destroy" or "to perish," and φθείρω (phtheirō, `{{G5356}}`), meaning "to corrupt" or "to decay," share a semantic overlap in conveying the idea of something coming to an end or losing its integrity.
* **Wither/Dry Up**: Terms like ξηραίνω (xērainō, `{{G3583}}`), used for the drying up of plants or water, are closely related in their imagery of loss of vitality and eventual death, as seen in the broader context of [[James 1:11]].
* **Vanity**: The Old Testament concept of הֶבֶל (hevel, `{{H1892}}`), often translated as "vanity" or "vapor" (e.g., in Ecclesiastes), strongly parallels the idea of something fleeting and ultimately without substance, much like what "fades away."
* **Human Frailty**: This word connects to the consistent biblical portrayal of humanity as fleeting, often compared to grass or flowers that blossom and then wither (e.g., [[Psalm 103:15-16]], [[Isaiah 40:6-8]]). The contrast is always with the enduring nature of God and His Word.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of μαραίνω (maraínō, `{{G3133}}`) in [[James 1:11]] carries profound theological weight, primarily serving as a stark reminder of human mortality and the impermanence of earthly existence and pursuits.
1. **The Vanity of Earthly Riches**: The most direct theological lesson is the futility of placing ultimate trust or value in material wealth. The "rich man" and his "pursuits" are subject to the same inevitable decay as a wilting flower, demonstrating that earthly prosperity offers no lasting security or fulfillment. This aligns with Jesus' teachings on laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth where moth and rust destroy ([[Matthew 6:19-21]]).
2. **Human Frailty and Dependence**: The "fading away" underscores the inherent fragility and brevity of human life. This truth is not meant to induce despair but to foster humility and a recognition of our absolute dependence on God, the source of all life and permanence. It calls believers to acknowledge their creatureliness and the temporal nature of their earthly sojourn.
3. **Contrast with the Enduring Word**: James's use of μαραίνω (maraínō) stands in stark contrast to the enduring nature of God's Word, which is "living and active" ([[Hebrews 4:12]]) and "endures forever" ([[1 Peter 1:25]], quoting [[Isaiah 40:8]]). While human life and its accomplishments "fade away," God's truth, His promises, and His kingdom are eternal. This contrast encourages believers to build their lives on the unshakable foundation of divine truth rather than the shifting sands of worldly success.
4. **A Call to Spiritual Prioritization**: Understanding that everything earthly will "fade away" serves as a powerful impetus for believers to re-evaluate their priorities, focusing on eternal values, spiritual growth, and obedience to God's will, which alone possess lasting significance.
### Summary
The Greek verb μαραίνω (maraínō, `{{G3133}}`), meaning "to wither," "to fade," or "to extinguish," appears uniquely in the New Testament in [[James 1:11]]. There, it vividly describes the inevitable decay and disappearance of the "rich man" and his earthly endeavors, paralleling the wilting of a flower. This solitary but potent occurrence serves as a profound theological statement on the transience of human life and the vanity of material wealth. It underscores the biblical theme of human frailty, contrasting it sharply with the enduring nature of God and His eternal Word. Ultimately, μαραίνω (maraínō) functions as a solemn reminder to prioritize spiritual realities over temporal pursuits, fostering humility and a deeper reliance on the immutable God.
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