### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἀνδροφόνος (androphónos, `{{G409}}`) is a compound word derived from ἀνήρ (anēr, man, husband, `{{G435}}`) and φόνος (phonos, murder, slaughter, `{{G5408}}`). Its literal and primary meaning is "man-slayer" or "murderer." This etymology precisely defines the scope of the word, referring specifically to one who takes human life unlawfully. The term carries the full weight of intentional and culpable homicide, distinguishing it from accidental death or lawful execution. Its semantic range is narrow, focused solely on the act of killing a human being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀνδροφόνος (`{{G409}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[1 Timothy 1:9]]. In this passage, Paul is explaining the purpose of the Law, stating that it "is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers [ἀνδροφόνος], for sexually immoral people, for practicing homosexuals, for slave traders, for liars, for perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine."
The context of this sole occurrence is crucial. Paul lists ἀνδροφόνος among a catalog of severe transgressors who stand in opposition to God's righteous standards. By placing "murderers" alongside those who commit parricide, sexual immorality, and other grave offenses, the apostle underscores the profound wickedness inherent in taking human life. The inclusion of ἀνδροφόνος in this litany of sins highlights its direct violation of God's moral law and its inherent contradiction to the "sound doctrine" of the Gospel. It signifies a profound moral depravity that necessitates the corrective and condemnatory function of the Law.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate ἀνδροφόνος, it is helpful to consider related terms and concepts:
* φονεύς (phoneus, `{{G5406}}`): A more general term for "murderer" or "killer," often used in the New Testament (e.g., [[Matthew 22:7]], [[Acts 3:14]]). While ἀνδροφόνος specifically denotes the killing of *men*, φονεύς is broader, though often used interchangeably in practice when referring to unlawful killing.
* φονεύω (phoneuō, `{{G5407}}`): The verb "to murder" or "to kill," which directly relates to the act committed by an ἀνδροφόνος. This verb is used in the Sixth Commandment, "You shall not murder" ([[Matthew 19:18]]).
* ἀποκτείνω (apokteinō, `{{G615}}`): A more general verb meaning "to kill" or "to slay," which can encompass both lawful and unlawful killing, as well as literal and figurative death.
* In the Old Testament, the primary Hebrew term for unlawful killing is רָצַח (ratsach, `{{H7523}}`), which is consistently translated as "murder" in the Decalogue ([[Exodus 20:13]], [[Deuteronomy 5:17]]). This term carries the same moral weight as ἀνδροφόνος. Another common Hebrew word for killing is הָרַג (harag, `{{H2026}}`), which is broader and can refer to various forms of killing.
* The concept of the "sanctity of human life" is foundational, rooted in humanity being created in the "image of God" ([[Genesis 1:27]], [[Genesis 9:6]]). Murder is thus an assault not only on a human being but also on the very image of God.
* The Sixth Commandment, "You shall not murder," provides the theological framework for understanding ἀνδροφόνος as a grave sin.
* The spiritual dimension of murder is highlighted by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, where he equates hatred in the heart with murder ([[Matthew 5:21-22]]), and by John, who states that "everyone who hates his brother is a murderer" ([[1 John 3:15]]). This expands the understanding of ἀνδροφόνος beyond the physical act to the malevolent intent.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀνδροφόνος is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Violation of God's Law and Image:** The act of being an ἀνδροφόνος is a direct and egregious violation of God's Law, specifically the Sixth Commandment. More fundamentally, it is an assault on the *imago Dei* (image of God) in humanity. Since every human life bears the divine imprint, the unlawful taking of life is an act of defiance against the Creator Himself ([[Genesis 9:6]]).
2. **Manifestation of Sinful Depravity:** The inclusion of ἀνδροφόνος in the list of serious transgressions in [[1 Timothy 1:9]] underscores its gravity as a manifestation of profound human depravity. It stems from a heart alienated from God, characterized by malice, hatred, and a disregard for the sacredness of life. It stands in stark contrast to the love that characterizes those who are truly righteous.
3. **Divine Justice and Judgment:** From the earliest biblical narratives (e.g., Cain and Abel in [[Genesis 4]]), God demonstrates His intolerance for the shedding of innocent blood. The Law provided for cities of refuge for unintentional homicide but demanded justice for the ἀνδροφόνος. The New Testament reaffirms that God will bring all deeds, including murder, into judgment ([[Romans 1:29-32]], [[Revelation 21:8]]).
4. **Spiritual Dimension of Hatred:** The New Testament, particularly the teachings of Jesus and John, expands the concept of murder beyond the physical act to encompass the internal state of the heart. To harbor hatred for one's brother is to be a murderer in the spiritual sense ([[Matthew 5:21-22]], [[1 John 3:15]]). This highlights that the root of ἀνδροφόνος is not merely a physical action but a deep-seated spiritual illness, a lack of divine love.
### Summary
The Greek term ἀνδροφόνος (androphónos, `{{G409}}`) precisely denotes a "manslayer" or "murderer," derived from its components "man" and "slaughter." Its singular occurrence in [[1 Timothy 1:9]] places it among a list of severe transgressions, underscoring its gravity as a profound violation of God's moral law. Theologically, ἀνδροφόνος represents not merely a physical act but a deep-seated sin that assaults the sanctity of human life, which is created in the image of God. It is a manifestation of human depravity and a direct contradiction to the love commanded by God. The biblical witness consistently condemns murder, demanding justice and highlighting its spiritual roots in hatred and malice.
TRV