θανατήφορος (thanatēphoros)
thanatēphoros
deadly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective thanatēphoros describes something as "death-bringing" or deadly. It is a compound word formed from thanatos, meaning death, and pherō, meaning to carry or bring. This linguistic structure creates a vivid image of an agent that actively transports death rather than merely being associated with it.
In the New Testament, this rare term appears only once, in James 3:8. The author uses it to characterize the human tongue, calling it a "deadly" evil that no one can tame. By choosing this specific word, the text emphasizes the lethal power of uncontrolled speech, linking it directly to the destruction it causes.
The word also appears in the Septuagint, such as in Numbers 18:22 and Job 33:23, where it translates Hebrew terms for death or deadly things. Its usage across these texts highlights a consistent theme of fatal consequence, whether referring to physical danger or spiritual ruin.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word thanatēphoros paints a striking picture of danger. It combines 'death' with 'carrying,' describing something that actively brings destruction. In James 3:8, this rare adjective describes the tongue as a restless evil full of deadly poison. The image is not just about harm, but about an agent that transports death wherever it goes.
This word reminds us that our words carry weight far beyond simple communication. Unchecked speech can wound deeply and destroy relationships in ways we might not immediately see. Recognizing this power helps us approach our conversations with care and humility. It invites us to seek wisdom before speaking, knowing that our words have the potential to heal or harm.
Understanding the seriousness of our speech encourages a posture of gentleness. When we acknowledge the deadly potential of unbridled talk, we open space for grace to work through our lips. This awareness does not silence us but guides us toward speech that builds up rather than tears down, reflecting the life-giving nature of God's truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- deadly.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θανατηφόρου.1×
Key Verses
-
James 3:8
but nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
This is the only New Testament occurrence where the word describes the tongue as a restless evil full of deadly poison, highlighting its lethal power when untamed.