from μήτηρ and the base of ἅλων; a mother-thresher, i.e. matricide:--murderer of mothers.
Transliteration:mētralṓias
Pronunciation:may-tral-o'-as
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G3389 (μητραλῴας, *mētralṓias*) is a compound noun derived from two elements: μήτηρ (*mētēr*), meaning "mother," and the base of ἅλων (*halōn*), which relates to "threshing" or "grinding," often implying destruction or violence. Thus, the literal sense of *mētralṓias* is "mother-thresher" or "one who grinds/destroes their mother." This vivid and brutal imagery directly conveys the meaning of "matricide," the act of murdering one's own mother. The term denotes an exceptionally heinous crime, violating the most fundamental bonds of family and natural affection. Its semantic range is narrow, specifically pointing to this extreme form of familial homicide, indicating a profound and unnatural transgression.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G3389 (μητραλῴας) appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul's first letter to Timothy:
> "Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for sodomites, for slave traders, for liars, for perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine," [[1 Timothy 1:8-10]].
In this passage, *mētralṓias* is listed alongside `{{G3964}}` (πατραλῴας, *patraloias*), "father-murderers," within a catalog of egregious sins. Paul uses this list to illustrate the true purpose of the Law. It is not intended for the righteous, who live in accordance with God's will, but rather for those who are "lawless and disobedient," those whose actions are so depraved that they necessitate the Law's condemnation. The inclusion of matricide underscores the depth of human depravity that the Law addresses. It highlights crimes that are not merely social transgressions but profound violations of natural order, familial bonds, and divine commandment, serving as a stark contrast to the "sound doctrine" of the gospel that Paul is commending.
### Related Words & Concepts
The immediate parallel to G3389 (μητραλῴας) in [[1 Timothy 1:9]] is `{{G3964}}` (πατραλῴας, *patraloias*), "father-murderer," forming a pair that emphasizes the ultimate betrayal of parental honor. Broader terms for homicide, such as `{{G443}}` (ἀνθρωποκτόνος, *anthrōpoktonos*), "manslayer" or "murderer," and `{{G5406}}` (φονεύς, *phoneus*), also "murderer," appear elsewhere in the New Testament to describe the general act of killing. However, *mētralṓias* and *patraloias* specify the unique horror of parricide. The concept of honoring one's parents, fundamental to the Fifth Commandment (`{{H3513}}` כָּבֵד, *kābēd* - to honor, make heavy), stands in direct opposition to the act of matricide. Furthermore, the list in [[1 Timothy 1:9-10]] includes terms like ἀσεβής (asebēs, ungodly) and ἀνόσιος (anosios, unholy), indicating that such crimes are not merely against humanity but also against divine order and piety.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of G3389 (μητραλῴας) in the New Testament, within a list of severe moral offenses in [[1 Timothy 1:9]], carries significant theological weight. It serves as a potent example of the extreme depravity of human sin, against which the Law stands as a witness and a condemnation. The act of matricide is not merely a violation of human law but a profound affront to God's created order, which establishes the family unit and the sacred bond between parent and child. It represents the ultimate rejection of natural affection and filial duty. Paul's inclusion of this term underscores the Law's role in exposing the depths of human sinfulness, demonstrating that humanity's need for the grace offered through the gospel is profound and universal. It highlights that the Law is not for the self-righteous but for those who commit such heinous acts, revealing their desperate need for redemption and transformation.
### Summary
G3389 (μητραλῴας, *mētralṓias*) precisely denotes "matricide," the murder of one's own mother. This powerfully descriptive term, literally meaning "mother-thresher," appears uniquely in [[1 Timothy 1:9]], where it is listed among the most egregious sins. Its inclusion in Paul's catalog of vices serves to illustrate the profound depravity that the Law addresses, emphasizing that the Law is intended for the "lawless and disobedient," not for the righteous. The act of matricide represents an ultimate violation of familial bonds, natural affection, and divine commandment, standing as a stark example of humanity's desperate need for the redemptive power of the gospel.
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