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φονεύω (phoneuō)

phoneuō

to murder

G5407 · Greek · New Testament · 10 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
10 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The verb phoneuō means to intentionally kill or murder another person. It is not a general term for death, but specifically describes the unlawful taking of human life. In the New Testament, it appears in ten verses, most frequently in the Gospels and the letters of James and Paul.

This word carries significant weight because it directly echoes the commandment "You shall not murder" from Exodus 20:14. Jesus uses it in Matthew 5:21 to deepen the law’s demand, showing that anger and contempt are related to the act itself. The apostle James later warns against using this power unjustly, as seen in his reference to the blood of the innocent (James 5:6).

Its root comes from phoneus, meaning "murderer" or "manslayer." Translators consistently render it as "murder" to distinguish it from other words for killing, such as thanatoo (to die) or apoktenno (to put to death). This precision reminds readers that the prohibition targets deliberate, malicious violence against a neighbor.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word phoneuō carries a heavy weight, pointing directly to the intentional taking of innocent human life. It is not used for accidents or war, but for the malicious act that violates the core commandment given in Exodus. When Jesus cites this prohibition in Matthew 5:21, He does not stop at the physical act; He reveals that the root of such violence often begins in the heart with anger and contempt. This deepens our understanding of the law, showing that God cares about the integrity of our relationships as much as the safety of our neighbors.

For your daily walk, this reminder invites a honest look at how you treat others. It challenges us to reject not only outward aggression but also the inner attitudes that devalue people made in God’s image. James warns that such behavior fractures community and distances us from righteousness. By guarding our hearts against bitterness and hatred, we honor the sanctity of life and reflect the peace that Christ brings.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • you will murder;1×
  • you will murder,1×
  • you murdered1×
  • you may murder.1×
  • you kill1×
  • will you murder,1×
  • shall you murder,1×
  • shall you murder1×
  • may murder,1×
  • having murdered1×
  • do commit murder1×
  • [and] have put to death1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • ἐφονεύσατε2×
  • φονεύσῃς,2×
  • φονεύσεις,2×
  • φονεύσῃς.1×
  • φονεύσῃ,1×
  • φονεύσεις·1×
  • φονεύετε1×
  • φονεύεις1×
  • φονευσάντων1×

Key Verses

  • Matthew 5:21
    “You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’

    Jesus expands the scope of the commandment to include the internal attitudes of anger and contempt that precede the act.

  • James 4:2
    You lust, and don’t have. You murder and covet, and can’t obtain. You fight and make war. You don’t have, because you don’t ask.

    James links the desire for what belongs to others directly to violent action, showing how unchecked lust can lead to murder.

  • Romans 13:9
    For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

    Paul groups this commandment with others to demonstrate that loving one’s neighbor fulfills the entire moral law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between phoneuō and other words for killing?

Phoneuō specifically refers to unlawful, intentional murder. Other Greek verbs like thanatoo mean to die or cause death in general, while apoktenno can refer to putting someone to death in legal or military contexts. Phoneuō is reserved for the moral crime of taking innocent life.

How does Jesus interpret this commandment in the Sermon on the Mount?

In Matthew 5:21, Jesus teaches that the prohibition against murder extends to the heart. He explains that harboring anger or insulting a brother places one in danger of judgment, just as the physical act does. This shows that God values inner purity alongside outward obedience.

Why is this word significant in the letter of James?

James uses it to highlight the destructive power of uncontrolled desires. In James 4:2, he connects lust and coveting directly to murder, illustrating how sin escalates when left unchecked. This serves as a stern warning about the consequences of allowing selfish ambition to dominate one’s actions.

Every Occurrence (10 verses across 5 books)

Matthew 4 verses
Matthew 5:21

“You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of…

Matthew 19:18

He said to him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder.’ ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ ‘You shall not…

Matthew 23:31

Therefore you testify to yourselves that you are children of those who killed the prophets.

Matthew 23:35

that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of…

Mark 1 verse
Luke 1 verse
Romans 1 verse
James 3 verses