### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective νεκρός (nekrós), Strong's G3498, derives from an apparent primary root signifying "a corpse." Its primary and most literal meaning is "dead," referring to the cessation of physical life. This can apply to humans, animals, or even plants that have perished. As an adjective, it describes the state of being without life.
Beyond its literal sense, νεκρός carries significant figurative and theological weight in the New Testament. It can function as a noun, "the dead" (οἱ νεκροί), referring collectively to those who have physically died. More profoundly, it describes a spiritual condition:
1. **Spiritual Death:** A state of separation from God due to sin, characterized by an inability to respond to divine truth or experience true spiritual life.
2. **Figurative Death to Sin/Self:** The believer's decisive break with the power and dominion of sin, or the crucifixion of the old self.
3. **"Dead Works":** Actions or religious observances performed without genuine faith, spiritual vitality, or divine enablement, thus being devoid of eternal merit.
The semantic range of νεκρός thus extends from the purely biological to profound theological realities concerning humanity's fallen state and the transformative power of Christ.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term νεκρός appears extensively throughout the New Testament, revealing its diverse applications:
* **Literal Physical Death:** This is the most frequent usage. It describes individuals who have physically died, such as Lazarus ([[John 11:39]]), Jairus' daughter ([[Mark 5:39]]), or the general population of the deceased ([[Matthew 22:31-32]], [[1 Corinthians 15:20]]). Crucially, it is used of Christ's own physical death ([[Romans 6:9]], [[Revelation 1:5]]). The resurrection of the nekrós is a central theme, highlighting Christ's power over death ([[John 5:21]], [[1 Corinthians 15:12-58]]).
* **Spiritual Death:** Paul frequently employs νεκρός to describe humanity's fallen state before regeneration. In passages like [[Ephesians 2:1]] and [[Colossians 2:13]], believers are described as being "dead in trespasses and sins" (νεκροὺς τοῖς παραπτώμασιν καὶ ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις). This signifies not annihilation, but a state of spiritual insensitivity, alienation from God, and inability to respond to His life-giving Spirit. It is a condition of moral and spiritual impotence.
* **Figurative Death to Sin/Self:** A pivotal theological concept, particularly in Paul's epistles. Believers are exhorted to consider themselves "dead to sin" (νεκροὺς τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ) but "alive to God in Christ Jesus" ([[Romans 6:11]]). This is not a passive state but an active identification with Christ's death and resurrection, signifying a decisive break from sin's mastery. Similarly, believers are "dead to the law" ([[Romans 7:4]]) in the sense that they are no longer under its condemnation but are united with Christ.
* **"Dead Works":** The Epistle to the Hebrews uses νεκρός in the phrase "dead works" (νεκρῶν ἔργων) in [[Hebrews 6:1]] and [[Hebrews 9:14]]. These refer to religious rituals, human efforts, or actions performed outside of a living faith in Christ. Such works, though perhaps outwardly commendable, cannot purify the conscience or bring true spiritual life, as they lack the vital principle of faith and divine grace.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of νεκρός is enriched by understanding its relationship to other key New Testament terms:
* **θάνατος (thanatos - `{{G2288}}`)**: "Death" as a noun, referring to the state or process of dying. While νεκρός describes the condition of being dead, θάνατος denotes the event or power of death itself. For example, Christ conquered θάνατος, and by doing so, brings life to the νεκρός.
* **ἀποθνήσκω (apothnēskō - `{{G599}}`)**: "To die," the verb form. This describes the act of dying, whether physically ([[Matthew 9:24]]) or figuratively, as in dying to sin ([[Romans 6:2]]). νεκρός is the resulting state of this action.
* **ζάω (zaō - `{{G2198}}`) / ζωή (zōē - `{{G2222}}`)**: "To live" / "life." These terms stand in stark contrast to νεκρός. Where νεκρός signifies absence of life (physical or spiritual), ζάω and ζωή denote the presence of life, particularly divine, eternal life offered through Christ. The movement from being νεκρός to having ζωή is the essence of salvation.
* **ἀνάστασις (anastasis - `{{G386}}`)**: "Resurrection." This term directly relates to the overcoming of νεκρός. The resurrection is the act of rising from the state of being dead, whether Christ's physical resurrection or the future resurrection of all nekrós.
These related terms highlight the dynamic interplay between death and life, sin and salvation, and the ultimate triumph of God's power over all forms of death.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of νεκρός is profound, touching upon core doctrines of sin, salvation, and eschatology:
* **The Consequence of Sin:** Humanity's state of being "dead in trespasses and sins" ([[Ephesians 2:1]]) underscores the devastating impact of the Fall. Spiritual νεκρός is the direct result of Adam's disobedience, leading to alienation from God and an inherent inability to please Him. This condition necessitates divine intervention for spiritual renewal.
* **Christ's Victory Over Death:** Jesus Christ's physical death as nekrós on the cross is central to Christian theology. He truly died, experiencing the full consequence of sin, yet His resurrection from the nekrós demonstrates His triumph over the power of death and the grave ([[1 Corinthians 15:3-4]], [[Revelation 1:18]]). His resurrection is the guarantee of life for all who believe.
* **Spiritual Regeneration:** The transition from spiritual νεκρός to spiritual life is the essence of regeneration. God, "being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ" ([[Ephesians 2:4-5]]). This transformation is a divine act, bringing those who were spiritually lifeless into a vibrant relationship with God.
* **Identification with Christ:** Believers are called to live out their new identity by considering themselves "dead to sin" ([[Romans 6:11]]). This theological truth is not merely a metaphor but a call to ethical living, reflecting a decisive break with the old life dominated by sin. Through baptism, believers symbolically participate in Christ's death to sin and resurrection to newness of life.
* **Eschatological Hope:** The ultimate hope for humanity lies in the future resurrection of the nekrós. Christ's return will usher in the resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous dead ([[John 5:28-29]], [[1 Thessalonians 4:16]]). For believers, this means the resurrection of their physical bodies to eternal life, a final victory over the last enemy, death ([[1 Corinthians 15:26]]).
### Summary
The Greek word νεκρός (G3498) fundamentally means "dead," encompassing both the literal cessation of physical life and profound spiritual realities. In the New Testament, it describes the physically deceased, but more significantly, it portrays humanity's fallen state as "dead in trespasses and sins," separated from God. Furthermore, it denotes the believer's transformative identification with Christ's death, leading to a state of being "dead to sin" and alive to God. The concept of "dead works" highlights actions devoid of spiritual vitality. The theological significance of νεκρός is immense, underscoring the dire consequences of sin, the triumphant power of Christ's death and resurrection over all forms of death, the necessity of spiritual regeneration, and the eschatological hope of a future bodily resurrection. From the grave of physical demise to the spiritual abyss of sin, νεκρός serves as a potent reminder of humanity's need for divine life and the glorious provision found in Christ Jesus.
TRV