ἐπιθανάτιος (epithanatios)
epithanatios
condemned to death
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective epithanatios describes a state of being condemned to death or doomed to die. It combines a prefix meaning "upon" with a root for "death," creating a vivid image of someone standing directly under the shadow of execution. This is not merely a risk of mortality, but a specific legal or judicial sentence that has been pronounced.
Its sole New Testament appearance in 1 Corinthians 4:9 illustrates this severity. Paul uses the term to describe the apostles' condition, likening them to prisoners marked for execution who have become a spectacle to the world. The word captures the finality and public nature of their suffering, emphasizing that they are treated as if their lives are already forfeited.
Translators typically render this as "condemned to death" or "doomed to die." Because the word appears only once in the Greek New Testament, its meaning is tightly bound to Paul's metaphor. It conveys a sense of helplessness and exposure, where the subjects are forced to watch their own potential demise while serving as an example to others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epithanatios paints a stark picture of being condemned to death. In its only New Testament use, Paul describes the apostles as if they were prisoners marked for execution. This was not just a fear of dying, but a public sentence that stripped them of safety and dignity. They stood exposed, treated as if their lives were already forfeit.
Yet this harsh reality reveals a deeper truth about faithfulness. Paul uses this image to show that following Christ can mean suffering ridicule or loss. It reminds us that our value does not depend on worldly success or protection. Even when we feel condemned or overlooked, God sees our steadfastness.
This perspective offers comfort in hard times. When life feels like a death sentence, remember that your standing with God remains secure. Your faithfulness matters more than public opinion. You are held by a love that no human court can overturn.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- appointed to death,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιθανατίους,1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 4:9
For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last of all, like men sentenced to death. For we are made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and men.
Paul uses this unique term to depict the apostles as prisoners marked for execution, highlighting their public exposure and suffering for Christ.