ἀποκτείνω (apokteinō)
apokteinō
to kill
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 71 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apokteinō means to kill or put to death, carrying a strong sense of finality. It is the standard New Testament word for taking human life, appearing frequently in the Gospels and Revelation. Jesus uses it when warning about physical danger (Matthew 10:28), and His opponents accuse Him of seeking to kill Him (John 5:18). The word also appears in parables where characters plot to murder an heir (Mark 12:7).
Its force comes from the prefix apo, implying a decisive or complete action. While it primarily describes physical slaughter, the sources note a metaphorical use in 2 Corinthians 3:6, where "the letter kills." Here, the word describes how rigid adherence to law without the Spirit brings spiritual death. This usage highlights the verb’s power to signify total destruction, whether of the body or the soul.
Translators often render apokteinō as "kill," "slay," or "put to death" depending on the context. The distinction between physical execution and metaphorical ruin is clear in passages like Ephesians 2:16, where Christ kills hostility (enmity) through the cross. The word thus bridges the gap between literal violence and spiritual reality, showing that the power to destroy is central to both human conflict and divine redemption.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apokteinō carries the heavy weight of finality. It is not merely harming or hurting; it describes the act of taking life, whether physical or spiritual. In the Gospels, we see this term used in the darkest moments of human history—when religious leaders plotted against Jesus, when farmers murdered an heir to seize land, and when crowds turned against prophets. These accounts remind us that sin has destructive consequences that reach their deepest point in violence.
Yet, Jesus does not leave us in fear of those who can harm the body. In Matthew 10:28, He invites us to look beyond physical threats to the one who holds ultimate authority over life and death. This perspective shifts our focus from what we lose to whom we belong. The word also appears in a surprising metaphorical sense in 2 Corinthians 3:6, where Paul writes that "the letter kills." Here, it describes how rigid adherence to rules without the Spirit leads to spiritual death, contrasting with the life found in Christ.
Understanding this word helps us grasp the seriousness of sin and the magnitude of grace. We are called to reject the destructive patterns of hatred and violence that characterize a fallen world. Instead, we find hope in the resurrection, where Jesus overcomes the power of death itself. This truth offers peace, knowing that no threat can separate us from God’s love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 71 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to kill5×
- killing5×
- to kill?4×
- to be killed4×
- they will kill4×
- they may kill4×
- were killed3×
- to kill,3×
- killed3×
- will kill2×
- was killed2×
- to kill.2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποκτεῖναι6×
- ἀποκτενοῦσιν6×
- ἀπέκτειναν4×
- ἀποκτεῖναι,4×
- ἀποκτείνωσιν4×
- ἀποκτείνωμεν4×
- ἀπεκτάνθησαν4×
- ἀπέκτειναν.3×
- ἀπέκτειναν,3×
- ἀποκτεῖναι;3×
- ἀποκτανθῆναι3×
- ἀποκτείνωσιν,2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 10:28
Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
Jesus uses this word to contrast temporary physical threats with eternal spiritual realities, directing fear toward God alone.
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Mark 12:7
But those farmers said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’
In the parable of the tenants, this verb reveals the malicious intent of those who reject the owner's son to keep the inheritance.
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Matthew 16:21
From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.
This occurrence marks a pivotal moment where Jesus first predicts His own death and resurrection, establishing the core of His mission.
-
Mark 3:4
He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good or to do harm? To save a life or to kill?” But they were silent.
Jesus poses this word in a rhetorical question to expose the hardness of heart among those who would rather preserve tradition than do good on the Sabbath.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word apokteinō mean?
How is apokteinō different from other words for death?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Does this word have a metaphorical meaning?
Every Occurrence (71 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 12 verses
Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy…
Matthew 14:5When he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
Matthew 16:21From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders,…
Matthew 17:23and they will kill him, and the third day he will be raised up.” They were exceedingly sorry.
Matthew 21:35The farmers took his servants, beat one, killed another, and stoned another.
Matthew 21:38But the farmers, when they saw the son, said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and seize his…
Matthew 21:39So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard, then killed him.
Matthew 22:6and the rest grabbed his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them.
Matthew 23:34Therefore, behold, I send to you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of…
Matthew 23:37“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered…
Matthew 24:9“Then they will deliver you up to oppression and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name’s…
Matthew 26:4They took counsel together that they might take Jesus by deceit and kill him.