φονεύς (phoneus)
phoneus
murderer
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun phoneus denotes a murderer, specifically one who commits homicide with intent. In the New Testament, it appears seven times across the Gospels, Acts, and Revelation, often carrying a heavy theological weight rather than merely describing a legal crime.
Its root connects to the word for blood (haima), emphasizing the violent shedding of life. The sources note its use in Acts 7:52, where Stephen accuses the religious leaders of betraying and murdering the Righteous One, linking their actions to the historical pattern of killing prophets. It also appears in Revelation 21:8 as one of the categories excluded from the New Jerusalem.
While a near-synonym like anthropoktonos simply means "man-slayer," phoneus implies a more deliberate and malicious act. Translators consistently render it as "murderer," preserving the seriousness of the offense. This term highlights the gravity of taking human life, a theme that resonates from Jesus’ condemnation in Matthew 22:7 to Peter’s description of Jesus in Acts 3:14.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word phoneus carries a heavy weight in Scripture, referring not just to a legal crime but to the deliberate taking of human life. It appears in moments where faith is tested and truth is at stake. In Acts 7:52, Stephen uses this term to describe the religious leaders who betrayed and killed Jesus, linking their actions to a long history of rejecting God’s messengers. This connection reminds us that opposing Christ is not a minor disagreement but a serious spiritual failure.
Yet the Bible also offers hope for those who have walked in darkness. Revelation 21:8 lists murderers among those excluded from the New Jerusalem, highlighting the gravity of sin. However, this exclusion is not the final word for every reader. For those who turn to Christ, there is forgiveness and a new beginning. The seriousness of phoneus underscores the value God places on life and the need for grace.
Understanding this word helps us appreciate the holiness of God and the depth of His mercy. It calls us to respect life and to seek reconciliation rather than destruction. In a world where violence often seems normal, this term invites us to reflect on our own hearts and actions, urging us toward peace and justice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- murderers3×
- a murderer3×
- to murderers1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φονεῖς3×
- φονέα1×
- φονεῦσιν1×
- φονεύς1×
- φονεὺς1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 7:52
Which of the prophets didn’t your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers.
Stephen uses phoneus to accuse the leaders of betraying and murdering Jesus, linking their act to the historical pattern of killing prophets.
-
Revelation of John 21:8
But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
This verse lists murderers among those excluded from the New Jerusalem, showing the severe spiritual consequence of such sin.
-
Acts 3:14
But you denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,
Peter calls the religious leaders 'murderers' for demanding Barabbas and rejecting Jesus, highlighting their moral blindness.