### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **patralṓias**, represented by `{{G3964}}`, is a stark term for a **murderer of fathers**. The word is a compound derived from πατήρ (father) and a component shared with μητραλῴας (murderer of mothers), identifying it as a specific act of parricide. Its gravity is underscored by its rarity; it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole scriptural use of `{{G3964}}` is in [[1 Timothy 1:9]]. Here, it is part of a list illustrating the kind of person for whom the law `{{G3551}}` is made. The text states that the law is **not** `{{G3756}}` for a **righteous man** `{{G1342}}`, but for the wicked. In this list, **murderers of fathers** are categorized with the **lawless** `{{G459}}`, **disobedient** `{{G506}}`, **ungodly** `{{G765}}`, **sinners** `{{G268}}`, **unholy** `{{G462}}`, and **profane** `{{G952}}`. The placement of this term among such a comprehensive list of transgressions highlights the severity of the act.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words found in its immediate context help to define the scope of this wickedness:
* `{{G3389}}` **mētralṓias** (murderers of mothers): This is the direct counterpart to `{{G3964}}` and is defined as a matricide. It appears immediately following **murderers of fathers** in the list, condemning the violation of the most fundamental family relationships [[1 Timothy 1:9]].
* `{{G409}}` **androphónos** (manslayers): A broader term for a murderer, it follows the specific terms for parricide and matricide, widening the category to include all who unlawfully take human life [[1 Timothy 1:9]].
* `{{G459}}` **ánomos** (lawless): Defined as wicked or not subject to law, this term establishes the overarching category of rebellion. The specific sins that follow, including being a **murderer of fathers**, serve as explicit examples of what it means to be **lawless** [[1 Timothy 1:9]].
* `{{G765}}` **asebḗs** (ungodly): This word describes someone who is irreverent or impious. Its inclusion shows that the act of murdering a father is not just a social crime but an act of profound ungodliness [[1 Timothy 1:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3964}}` is concentrated in its single appearance:
* **The Law's Purpose:** The word is used to demonstrate **that** `{{G3754}}` the law is **made** `{{G2749}}` for the unrighteous. It is not for those already living righteously, but for those who, like a **murderer of fathers**, have transgressed fundamental moral and divine standards [[1 Timothy 1:9]].
* **Defining Depravity:** By singling out this specific sin, the text emphasizes a profound level of human depravity. The act represents an ultimate rejection of authority, family, and the life-giving role of a parent.
* **A Catalogue of Sin:** Its position within a list of sins ranging from general disobedience to specific acts like murder shows that such a heinous crime is the fruit of a life characterized as **unholy** `{{G462}}`, **profane** `{{G952}}`, and opposed to God.
### Summary
In summary, **patralṓias** `{{G3964}}` is a potent, albeit rare, biblical term. Its single usage in [[1 Timothy 1:9]] is highly instructive, serving as a prime example of the kind of wickedness the law exists to condemn. By being listed alongside the **lawless** `{{G459}}` and **ungodly** `{{G765}}`, the act of being a **murderer of fathers** is presented as a profound violation of both social order and divine commandment, exemplifying the character of those who stand in direct opposition to a **righteous** life.
TRV