from νεκρός; to deaden, i.e. (figuratively) to subdue:--be dead, mortify.
Transliteration:nekróō
Pronunciation:nek-ro'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb nekróō (`{{G3499}}`) is derived from the adjective nekrós (`{{G3498}}`), which signifies "dead" or "a dead person." Consequently, the primary, literal meaning of nekróō is "to make dead," "to kill," or "to deprive of life." However, its usage in the New Testament extends significantly into a figurative sense, meaning "to deaden," "to render ineffective," "to subdue," or "to mortify." This figurative application implies depriving something of its power, vitality, or active influence, rendering it inert or powerless, akin to a state of death. The semantic range thus spans from literal incapacitation or death to a spiritual or moral subduing and rendering inactive.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Nekróō (`{{G3499}}`) appears three times in the New Testament, with distinct but related contextual nuances:
* **[[Romans 4:19]]**: "And not being weak in faith, he considered his own body already deadened (or 'as good as dead'), since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb." Here, the word is used in a literal but hyper-literal sense to describe Abraham's and Sarah's advanced age and physical inability to procreate. It highlights the human impossibility of Isaac's birth without divine intervention, emphasizing God's power to bring life from what is naturally barren or "deadened."
* **[[Colossians 3:5]]**: "Therefore put to death (or 'mortify') your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." This is the most significant figurative use of nekróō. Paul issues a strong imperative for believers to actively "kill" or "deaden" sinful desires and practices that are part of their earthly nature. It is a command for decisive and continuous action against sin, implying a radical severing of its power and influence in one's life. This is not passive suppression but an active, volitional act of spiritual warfare against indwelling sin.
* **[[Hebrews 11:12]]**: "Therefore from one man, and him as good as deadened (or 'dead'), were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude, innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore." Similar to [[Romans 4:19]], this verse refers to Abraham's physical condition, again underscoring the miraculous nature of God's work in bringing forth a multitude of descendants from a seemingly "dead" source, showcasing His power over natural limitations.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding nekróō (`{{G3499}}`) is enriched by its relationship to several other key biblical terms and concepts:
* **nekrós (`{{G3498}}`):** The root adjective, meaning "dead" or "a dead person." The verb nekróō is the action of causing or bringing about the state of nekrós.
* **thanatóō (`{{G2289}}`):** Meaning "to put to death" or "to kill." While often synonymous with nekróō in the literal sense, thanatóō tends to emphasize the act of killing, whereas nekróō can also focus on the resulting state of being rendered powerless or inert, particularly in its figurative usage.
* **stauróō (`{{G4717}}`):** "To crucify." This concept is profoundly linked to nekróō in Pauline theology. The spiritual "mortification" commanded in [[Colossians 3:5]] is the practical outworking of the believer's identification with Christ's crucifixion ([[Romans 6:6]], [[Galatians 2:20]]). Believers are called to "deaden" the old self because they have been "crucified with Christ," thereby dying to sin's dominion.
* **New Life (zoē `{{G2222}}`):** The concept of nekróō stands in stark contrast to the new, spiritual life that believers receive through regeneration. The "deadening" of the old self is a necessary prerequisite for the flourishing of the Spirit's life and fruit.
* **The Flesh (sarx `{{G4561}}`):** The "members which are on the earth" in [[Colossians 3:5]] are often understood as manifestations of "the flesh" (sarx), referring to the sinful human nature opposed to God. Nekróō is the action taken against this fleshly nature.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of nekróō (`{{G3499}}`) is multifaceted and central to Christian doctrine and ethics:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** In its literal applications ([[Romans 4:19]], [[Hebrews 11:12]]), nekróō underscores God's miraculous power to transcend natural limitations and bring life, fruitfulness, and fulfillment of promises out of what is humanly impossible or "deadened." It highlights that salvation and divine blessings often come through means that defy human logic and strength.
2. **Radical Sanctification and Mortification of Sin:** The imperative in [[Colossians 3:5]] is a cornerstone of Christian sanctification. It calls for a decisive and active "putting to death" of sinful desires, passions, and behaviors. This is not passive suppression or mere self-control but a radical, continuous act of severing the life-source of sin within the believer. It signifies a profound break with the old patterns of life dominated by sin. This mortification is an essential aspect of living out one's new identity in Christ.
3. **Union with Christ in His Death:** The command to nekróō is deeply rooted in the believer's theological union with Christ. Because believers have been "crucified with Christ" ([[Romans 6:6]]) and are "dead to sin" ([[Romans 6:11]]), they are called to actively "mortify" the deeds of the flesh by the power of the Spirit ([[Romans 8:13]]). This spiritual discipline is the practical outworking of the theological reality of one's co-death with Christ, enabling the believer to walk in newness of life.
4. **Prerequisite for True Life:** The "deadening" of the old self and its sinful desires is presented as a necessary condition for the flourishing of the new life in Christ. Just as a seed must "die" to produce fruit, the sinful self must be actively rendered powerless for the Spirit to bear fruit and for the believer to grow in holiness and righteousness. It is a vital aspect of spiritual discipline that leads to genuine spiritual vitality.
### Summary
The Greek word nekróō (`{{G3499}}`), meaning "to make dead" or "to deaden," carries significant theological weight. While it describes literal physical incapacitation in the context of Abraham and Sarah ([[Romans 4:19]], [[Hebrews 11:12]]), highlighting God's power over human limitations, its most profound application is figurative. In [[Colossians 3:5]], nekróō becomes an imperative for believers to "mortify" or "put to death" their sinful desires and practices. This spiritual mortification is a radical, active, and ongoing process, stemming from the believer's union with Christ in His death and resurrection. It signifies a decisive break with the old, sinful nature, enabling the believer to walk in the newness of life empowered by the Spirit. The act of nekróō is thus fundamental to Christian sanctification, representing the believer's active participation in living out their identity as those who have died to sin and are alive to God.
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