ἀξίνη (axinē)
axinē
axe
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun axinē refers simply to an axe, a tool used for chopping wood. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, and in both instances it is part of a striking metaphor delivered by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:10; Luke 3:9). The imagery is immediate and visceral: just as an axe cuts down a tree to remove it from the ground, divine judgment will cut down any person who fails to produce good fruit. This comparison transforms an ordinary farming implement into a symbol of urgent accountability.
The word likely derives from a root meaning "to break," which aligns with the destructive power of the tool itself. While the Old Testament uses similar terms for various cutting instruments, the New Testament usage is narrowly focused on this specific image of removal and judgment. Translators consistently render it as "axe" to preserve the concrete nature of John’s warning, ensuring readers visualize the finality of a tree being felled rather than a vague sense of punishment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word axinē refers to a simple axe, a tool used for chopping wood. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, and in both instances it is part of a striking metaphor delivered by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:10; Luke 3:9). The imagery is immediate and visceral: just as an axe cuts down a tree to remove it from the ground, divine judgment will cut down any person who fails to produce good fruit. This comparison transforms an ordinary farming implement into a symbol of urgent accountability.
While the Old Testament uses similar terms for various cutting instruments, the New Testament usage is narrowly focused on this specific image of removal and judgment. Translators consistently render it as "axe" to preserve the concrete nature of John’s warning, ensuring readers visualize the finality of a tree being felled rather than a vague sense of punishment.
For your faith, this word reminds us that our lives should reflect genuine change. It is not about fear, but about living in a way that honors God through good actions and character. This call to fruitfulness invites you to examine your daily choices with honesty and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ax2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀξίνη2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 3:10
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.
This verse establishes the urgency of the metaphor by stating that the axe is already at the root, indicating immediate accountability for unfruitful lives.
-
Luke 3:9
Even now the ax also lies at the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Luke includes the word "also," emphasizing the comprehensive nature of John's warning to all who heard him, not just a specific group.