from πατήρ and the same as the latter part of μητραλῴας; a parricide:--murderer of fathers.
Transliteration:patralṓias
Pronunciation:pat-ral-o'-as
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term `{{G3964}}` (πατραλῴας, *patralōias*) is a compound word derived from πατήρ (*patēr*, `{{G3962}}`), meaning "father," and a verbal element related to ἀλοάω (*aloaō*), which signifies "to thresh" or "to smite," thus implying "to kill" or "to destroy." The base definition accurately renders it as "a parricide," specifically "a murderer of fathers." Its structure parallels `{{G3389}}` (μητραλῴας, *mētralōias*), "matricide," indicating a specific category of homicide directed at one's parents. The semantic range of `{{G3964}}` is exceedingly narrow and precise, referring exclusively to the act of killing one's biological father. This specificity underscores the extreme nature of the crime it denotes, distinguishing it from general murder by the unique familial relationship between the perpetrator and the victim.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G3964}}` (πατραλῴας, *patralōias*) appears only once in the New Testament, found in [[1 Timothy 1:9]]. In this passage, the Apostle Paul is expounding on the true purpose of the Law, stating, "We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who murder their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for sexually immoral people, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine."
The inclusion of "murderers of fathers" (πατραλῴας) alongside "murderers of mothers" (μητραλῴας) and general "murderers" (φονεύς, `{{G5406}}`) within this list is highly significant. It places parricide among the most grievous offenses that the Law condemns, highlighting its extreme violation of both divine and natural order. The context emphasizes that the Law serves to expose and restrain those whose actions demonstrate profound lawlessness and moral depravity. The act of killing one's father represents a complete breakdown of filial piety, respect for authority, and the foundational bonds of family, which are divinely instituted. Its placement in this catalogue of sins underscores the severity with which such an act is viewed in the biblical ethic.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is `{{G3389}}` (μητραλῴας, *mētralōias*), "matricide," which is listed immediately alongside `{{G3964}}` in [[1 Timothy 1:9]]. This pairing emphasizes the unique horror of killing either parent. Broader terms for killing include `{{G5406}}` (φονεύς, *phoneus*), "murderer," and `{{G443}}` (ἀνθρωποκτόνος, *anthrōpoktonos*), "manslayer" or "murderer," both of which are general categories of which parricide is a specific and particularly abhorrent type.
The concept of parricide stands in stark opposition to the fifth commandment of the Decalogue, "Honor your father and your mother" ([[Exodus 20:12]]), and also fundamentally violates the sixth commandment, "You shall not murder" ([[Exodus 20:13]]). The very notion of `{{G3964}}` highlights the extreme end of human rebellion against God's established order for family and society. Furthermore, the context of the Law (νόμος, *nomos*, `{{G3551}}`) in [[1 Timothy 1:9]] is crucial; the Law serves to define and condemn such profound transgressions.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3964}}` (πατραλῴας, *patralōias*) is profound.
1. **Violation of Divine Order:** Parricide represents an ultimate transgression against the divinely established order of family, authority, and the natural bonds of affection. God institutes the family as a foundational unit, and to murder one's father is to assault this sacred structure and defy the principle of life and authority that flows from God.
2. **Extreme Depravity:** Its singular appearance in a list of the most heinous sins in [[1 Timothy 1:9]] underscores the extreme depravity of the human heart capable of such an act. It signifies a complete absence of natural affection and a profound rebellion against both human and divine law.
3. **Manifestation of Lawlessness:** Paul uses this term to illustrate the kind of profound lawlessness that the Mosaic Law was given to expose and condemn. The Law is not for the righteous, but for those who commit such unnatural and destructive acts, demonstrating their utter disregard for God's standards.
4. **Consequences of Sin:** The inclusion of `{{G3964}}` serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of sin, which can lead individuals to commit the most unnatural and horrifying acts, tearing apart the very fabric of human society.
5. **Contrast with God's Fatherhood:** The concept of parricide stands in stark contrast to the biblical understanding of God as the ultimate Father, the source of all life and authority. To murder an earthly father, who is an image-bearer and a figure of authority, is to implicitly defy the very principle of Fatherhood established by God.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G3964}}` (πατραλῴας, *patralōias*) precisely denotes the abhorrent crime of parricide, the murder of one's father. Its solitary occurrence in the New Testament within [[1 Timothy 1:9]] is highly significant, positioning it among the most grievous offenses that the Law was intended to expose and condemn. This term underscores an extreme form of lawlessness and a profound violation of both familial and societal order, reflecting a complete breakdown of natural affection and respect. Theologically, `{{G3964}}` powerfully illustrates the depths of human depravity that sin can manifest, standing in stark opposition to God's righteous standards and the sacred order of creation.
TRV