θανατόω

I put to death, subdue

Definition

The verb θανατόω primarily means 'to put to death' or 'to cause to die,' often in a literal, judicial sense, as seen in the Gospel accounts of the plots against Jesus (Matthew 26:59, 27:1). In a figurative or spiritual sense, it describes the act of subduing or mortifying the sinful nature, as when Paul instructs believers to 'put to death the deeds of the body' (Romans 8:13). In the passive voice, it takes on meanings like 'to be dead to' something, indicating a complete separation or freedom from a former state, such as being 'dead to the law' through Christ (Romans 7:4).

Biblical Usage

This verb is used 11 times in the New Testament, appearing in both narrative and epistolary contexts. In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), it describes the literal, hostile actions of putting people to death, often in prophetic warnings about persecution (Matthew 10:21, Mark 13:12, Luke 21:16). In Paul's epistles, particularly Romans, the usage shifts to a powerful metaphorical application, describing the believer's spiritual mortification of sin and liberation from legal obligation.

Etymology

Derived from the noun θάνατος (thanatos, G2288), meaning 'death.' The verb form is a causative or factitive, meaning 'to make dead' or 'to cause to die.' It is a standard Greek formation where the noun root is verbalized with the -όω suffix, indicating the act of bringing about the state named by the noun.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it bridges the concepts of physical death and spiritual transformation. Literally, it points to the reality of persecution and martyrdom for the faith. Figuratively, in Romans, it is central to the doctrine of sanctification, describing the believer's active role, empowered by the Spirit, in putting sin to death (Romans 8:13). It also articulates the believer's new position of being 'dead to the law' (Romans 7:4), a key concept in understanding freedom in Christ and the transition from the old covenant to the new.

In its literal sense, the word reflects the harsh reality of capital punishment and violent persecution in the first-century Roman world, where judicial and extra-judicial killings were common. The figurative use by Paul would have resonated with audiences familiar with Greek philosophical concepts of mastering the passions, but he reorients this idea entirely within the framework of life in the Spirit through Christ.

ἀποκτείνω (apokteinō, G615) — A more common general term for 'to kill.' θάνατος (thanatos, G2288) — The noun 'death,' the root concept. νεκρόω (nekroō, G3499) — Also means 'to put to death' or 'to mortify,' used similarly by Paul (Colossians 3:5).

Word Details

Scripture References