πτῶμα (ptōma)
ptōma
corpse
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun ptōma refers to a fallen body, specifically a corpse or carcass. Derived from the verb for falling, it describes what remains after life has departed, emphasizing the finality of death. In the New Testament, it appears in only six verses, primarily within the Gospels and Revelation.
Its usage highlights the physical reality of death rather than spiritual states. Matthew 14:12 records Joseph of Arimathea taking Jesus’ ptōma to bury it, while Mark 6:29 notes John’s disciples removing his body after execution. In Revelation 11:8, the city where the two witnesses’ ptōmata lie is symbolically called Sodom and Egypt, linking the physical dead with spiritual opposition.
While the Septuagint occasionally uses it metaphorically for calamity or ruin, the New Testament consistently applies it to literal dead bodies. This concrete usage underscores the tangible nature of death in biblical narrative, contrasting sharply with abstract concepts of failure or downfall found in classical Greek literature.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ptōma describes a body that has fallen, leaving behind only what remains after life departs. It is a stark reminder of our physical fragility and the finality of death. In the Gospels, we see this reality when Jesus’ disciples took His ptōma to bury it, showing that even the Son of God experienced the full weight of human mortality.
This concrete image grounds our faith in history rather than abstract ideas. When Revelation speaks of dead bodies lying in the street, it highlights the harshness of opposition to truth. Yet, this physical end is not the final word for those who trust in Christ. The resurrection hope transforms how we view these fallen forms.
Understanding ptōma helps us face grief with honesty. We do not pretend death is an illusion or merely a transition without pain. Instead, we acknowledge the loss while holding fast to the promise that God will raise the dead. This balance allows us to mourn deeply yet live with enduring hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- body5×
- carcass,1×
- bodies1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πτῶμα5×
- πτῶμα,1×
- πτώματα1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 14:12
His disciples came, took the body, and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
This verse shows the disciples honoring Jesus by taking His ptōma, confirming the physical reality of His death and burial.
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Mark 6:29
When his disciples heard this, they came and took up his corpse and laid it in a tomb.
John’s disciples removing his corpse demonstrates the respectful care given to the dead even in times of political danger.
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Revelation of John 11:8
Their dead bodies will be in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified.
The reference to dead bodies in a spiritually named city links physical death with the world’s rejection of divine witness.