Category Archives: Greek word studies

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The Greek verb “θαρρέω”

With the exception of Heb. 13:6, the Greek verb “tharrheo” is found in the book of Second Corinthians (see 2 Cor. 5:6, 8; 7:16; 10:1-2).  This verb meant “to be confident,” “to be of good courage,” or “to be bold.”

In 2 Cor. 7:16, this verb expresses Paul’s confidence “in the Corinthian church.  But in 10:1-2 the same word is used of the boldness with which he is determined to face those who oppose him in Corinth, though here he may be responding to an accusation that he shows boldness only when he does not have to deal with his opponents in person.  In 5:6, 8 Paul speaks of the confidence that he enjoys even in his life of suffering, for he is supported by the assurance that he has an eternal home with the Lord.  The letter to the Hebrews exhorts its readers to a sim. confidence as they face the necessity of holding out in a pagan environment that is hostile toward them (Heb. 13:6)” (Silva, 2:419).

The Greek verb “θάπτω”

Limited to Mt. 8:21-22; 14:12; Lk. 9:59-60; 16:22; Acts 2:29; 5:6, 9-10; 1 Cor. 15:4, the Greek verb “thapto” meant “entomb” or “to bury.”  This verb described all that was involved in “burying” someone.

The Greek verb “θανατόω”

Limited to Mt. 10:21; 26:59; 27:1; Mk. 13:12; 14:55; Lk. 21:16; Rom. 7:4; 8:13, 36; 2 Cor. 6:9; 1 Pet. 3:18, the Greek verb “thanatoo” meant “kill” or “put to death.”  Every time this word is used in the New Testament, man is the instigator of this act.  This action most often describes the physical destruction of life, but Rom. 8:13 talk about “killing” the works of the flesh.

The Greek noun “θάνατος”

Found about a hundred and twenty times in the New Testament and used figuratively and literally, the Greek noun “thanatos” meant “death.”

Some crimes merit the penalty of death (Acts 25:11; Rom. 1:32).  Those who do not commit such crimes are still subject to death (Rom. 5:12).  Those who seek salvation must be baptized or immersed into the “death” of Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:3) so they can be raised to walk in the newness of life (Rom. 6:4) and be in the likeness of His resurrection (Rom. 6:5).

Sin pays a wage, and this wage is death (Rom. 6:23).  The mind of the flesh results in “death” (Rom. 8:6).  The Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7) is a weekly reminder of Jesus’ “death” (1 Cor. 11:26).  When Jesus returns at the end of time, death will be destroyed (1 Cor. 15:26).  Until this time, sin and death cause a “sting” (1 Cor. 15:56).  The Old Testament, and this includes the Ten Commandments, was a system of “death” because no one could perfectly keep the law (2 Cor. 3:7).  Secular sorrow for sin instead of repentance brings about death (2 Cor. 7:10).  Jesus became obedient to the point of “death” (Phil. 2:8) and is thus able to deliver people from death (2 Tim. 1:10), as well as the fear of death (Heb. 2:15).  When people are old enough to be charged with sin (Jas 1:15), they experience spiritual death.  Jesus “has the keys to death” (Rev. 1:18), and His people need to be faithful, even to the point of death (Rev. 2:10).  There is a second death (hell) for the unsaved (Rev. 2:11).  God’s wrath is so great men would prefer to face death (Rev. 9:6).

The Greek adjective “θανατηφόρος”

Limited to Jas. 3:8, the Greek adjective “thanatephoros” meant “deadly.”  The untamed tongue is full of “deadly” poison.

The Greek adjective “θανάσιμος”

Limited to Mk. 16:18, the Greek adjective “thanasimos” meant “deadly” or “fatal.”

In this account of the Great Commission, Jesus said His people would even be protected against drinking deadly or fatal beverages like poisons.

The Greek noun “θάμβος”

Limited to Lk. 4:36; 5:9; Acts 3:10, the Greek noun “thambos” meant “wonder,” “astonishment,” “amazement.”  People were “amazed” to see demonic spirits obey Jesus.  Men like Peter were astounded by an amazing catch of fish (Lk. 5:9).  Unlike modern pretenders, Bible miracles created “astonishment” in those who saw them (Acts 3:10).

The Greek verb “θαμβέω”

Limited to Mk. 1:27; 10:24, 32; Acts 9:6 (some manuscripts), the Greek verb “thambeo” meant “amazed,” “astonished,” “be astounded.”  Other terms in this word group include “thambos” (Lk. 4:36; 5:9; Acts 3:10), “ekthambeo” (Mk. 9:15; 14:33; 16:5-6), and “ekthambos” (Acts 3:11).  The God of the Bible is able to do “astonishing” things!  When Jesus was on the earth, He sometime evoked fear by His “supernatural person and work” (Silva, 2:404).