### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **teleutáō**, represented by `{{G5053}}`, is used to mean **to finish life, expire, or die**. It appears **13 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible. The word conveys the finality of physical life, whether through natural causes, as a legal consequence, or in a figurative sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5053}}` is used in several key contexts. It is often employed to state the historical fact of a person's death, such as that of Herod [[Matthew 2:19]], David [[Acts 2:29]], or Jacob and the fathers of Israel [[Acts 7:15]]. The term also carries legal weight, as seen in the command that one who curses their parents should "die the death" [[Matthew 15:4]]. In a narrative context, it can set the stage for a miracle, as when a ruler reports his daughter is "even now dead" [[Matthew 9:18]] before she is raised. Figuratively, it describes a state of endless consequence where "their worm dieth not" [[Mark 9:48]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words provide a broader context for the concept of life ending:
* `{{G2288}}` **thánatos** (death): This noun is often paired directly with `{{G5053}}` to emphasize the finality of the act, as in the legal sentence "let him die the death" [[Matthew 15:4]].
* `{{G2290}}` **tháptō** (bury): This word describes the action that follows death. In Peter's sermon, he states that David is both "dead and buried" [[Acts 2:29]], showing a natural sequence of events.
* `{{G2198}}` **záō** (to live): This serves as a direct antonym. It highlights the contrast between death and life, as when a ruler’s daughter who was dead `{{G5053}}` is promised that she "shall live" [[Matthew 9:18]].
* `{{G1841}}` **éxodos** (decease, departing): This term is used figuratively for death. Joseph, at the time he died `{{G5053}}`, spoke of the "departing" of Israel's children [[Hebrews 11:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G5053}}` is seen in its application across different domains of scripture.
* **The Finality of Physical Life:** The word establishes the deaths of key historical figures like Herod [[Matthew 2:19]], Jacob [[Acts 7:15]], and David [[Acts 2:29]], grounding the biblical narrative in the reality of human mortality.
* **Consequence of the Law:** `{{G5053}}` is used to articulate the ultimate penalty under the law. For example, dishonoring one's parents results in the command to "die the death" [[Mark 7:10]].
* **A Precursor to Divine Power:** The state of being dead, described by `{{G5053}}`, often precedes a demonstration of God's power over life. A ruler's daughter is declared "dead" [[Matthew 9:18]] immediately before Jesus restores her to life.
* **Metaphor for an Eternal State:** The word extends beyond physical death to describe a spiritual condition. In Mark, the description of a place where "their worm dieth not" [[Mark 9:48]] uses `{{G5053}}` to portray a state of unending consequence.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5053}}` provides a precise term for the cessation of life, whether as a historical marker, a legal consequence, or a figurative state. Its usage highlights the stark reality of death, which in turn magnifies the power of life demonstrated elsewhere in scripture. From the death of a patriarch like Joseph [[Hebrews 11:22]] to the condition of the centurion's servant who was "ready to die" [[Luke 7:2]], **teleutáō** serves as a critical word for understanding the biblical view on the end of physical life.
TRV