θανατόω (thanatoō)
thanatoō
to kill
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb thanatoō carries the direct meaning of putting someone to death. It appears in several New Testament passages describing literal violence, such as when family members betray one another leading to execution (Matthew 10:21) or when religious leaders seek false charges to eliminate Jesus (Mark 14:55). In these contexts, the word describes the final act of killing.
Paul expands this concept into spiritual and ethical realms. He instructs believers to put to death the sinful nature within themselves (Romans 8:13) and uses the metaphor of dying to the law to explain a new relationship with Christ (Romans 7:4). This usage shifts the focus from physical murder to the decisive rejection of old ways of living.
The word derives from thanatos, meaning death. Its force lies in its decisiveness; it is not merely harming but ending a state of being. Translators typically render it as "kill" or "put to death," preserving the severity of the action whether applied to physical enemies or internal sin.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word thanatoō describes a decisive act of ending life. In the Gospels, it appears in accounts of political and religious violence where leaders sought to execute Jesus or where family bonds were broken by persecution. These passages show the severity of physical death and the cost of standing for truth.
Paul uses this same strong language in a different way. He urges believers to put to death the deeds of the body through the Spirit. This is not about harming others but about decisively rejecting old sinful patterns. It calls for a clear break from habits that separate us from God.
This dual meaning reminds us that faith involves both endurance and transformation. We face external pressures, yet we also have an internal work to do. The Spirit gives us the power to end what is harmful so we can live fully for God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will put to death2×
- you put to death,1×
- were put to death1×
- we face death1×
- they will put to death1×
- they might put to death1×
- they may put to death1×
- put to death1×
- having been put to death1×
- being killed,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θανατώσουσιν3×
- θανατῶσαι2×
- ἐθανατώθητε1×
- θανατώσωσιν,1×
- θανατωθεὶς1×
- θανατοῦτε,1×
- θανατούμενοι,1×
- θανατούμεθα1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 8:13
For if you live after the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
This verse shifts the word from physical execution to spiritual discipline, showing that putting sin to death is essential for living by the Spirit.
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Matthew 26:59
Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus, that they might put him to death,
Here the word highlights the malicious intent of religious leaders who sought false testimony specifically to eliminate Jesus.
-
Romans 7:4
Therefore, my brothers, you also were made dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you would be joined to another, to him who was raised from the dead, that we might produce fruit to God.
The related concept of being made dead to the law shows how this root meaning applies to our changed legal standing before God through Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does thanatoō mean in the New Testament?
How is thanatoō used in Romans 8:13?
Does this word only refer to physical murder?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 3 verses
“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause…
Matthew 26:59Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus, that they might put him…
Matthew 27:1Now when morning had come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to…