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γάγγραινα (gangraina)

gangraina

gangrene

G1044 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun gangraina refers to a spreading infection or gangrene, a condition where inflamed tissue dies and erodes surrounding healthy parts. The word derives from a root meaning "to gnaw," capturing the image of an eating sore that consumes the body if left untreated. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in 2 Timothy 2:17.

Paul uses this vivid medical metaphor to describe the influence of false teachers like Hymenaeus and Philetus. He warns that their teaching spreads "like gangrene," corrupting the faith of others just as a physical infection destroys flesh. The comparison highlights how error is not static; it actively eats away at spiritual health, requiring urgent intervention to stop its progress.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Paul’s warning in 2 Timothy paints a vivid picture of how false teaching spreads. He compares it to gangrena, a condition where tissue dies and erodes healthy parts around it. This is not a static error but an active infection that consumes faith if left unchecked.

For your spiritual life, this word reminds us to be vigilant about what we absorb. Truth requires care and protection, just as a wound needs cleaning to heal. When we encounter teachings that distort the gospel, we recognize their destructive nature early. This awareness helps us hold fast to sound doctrine and support one another in maintaining spiritual health.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • gangrene1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • γάγγραινα1×

Key Verses

  • II Timothy 2:17
    and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus:

    Paul uses this rare medical term to describe how the teachings of Hymenaeus and Philetus actively consume faith like a spreading infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does gangrena mean in the Bible?

The Greek word gangrena refers to a spreading infection or gangrene where tissue dies. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe how false teaching corrupts faith by actively eroding spiritual health.

Where does this word appear in Scripture?

It appears only once, in 2 Timothy 2:17. Paul uses it to warn about the dangerous influence of false teachers like Hymenaeus and Philetus whose words spread like a consuming disease.

Why does Paul compare teaching to gangrene?

Paul chooses this image because error is not passive; it actively destroys. Just as a physical infection eats away healthy tissue, false doctrine consumes the faith of those who hear it, requiring urgent attention to stop its progress.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

II Timothy 1 verse
II Timothy 2:17

and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus: