The meaning of “θάνατος”
Understanding thánatos reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
X deadly, (be…) death. - (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
θάνατος
X deadly, (be…) death. - (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 16:28 | “Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. ” Word: θάνατος (thánatos) | |
| John 11:13 | “Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.” Word: θάνατος (thánatos) | |
| 1 Corinthians 15:26 | “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” Word: θάνατος (thánatos) | |
| Colossians 1:22 | “In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:” Word: θάνατος (thánatos) | |
| James 5:20 | “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. ” Word: θάνατος (thánatos) |
Theological Word Study: Death
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Death
The Hebrew mavet (מָוֶת) means death—the cessation of physical life and separation from God. Death entered through sin (Genesis 2:17), but God promises deliverance: 'O death, I will be thy plagues' (Hosea 13:14).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Death
The Greek thanatos (θάνατος) denotes death—both physical death and spiritual separation from God. Christ conquered death through His resurrection, making death merely a transition for believers: 'to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord' (2 Corinthians 5:8).