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θανάσιμος

thanásimos

G2286 attributive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Having the quality of causing or resulting in death; fatal, deadly. The primary lexical meaning centers on the ability to cause death, whether directly (such as a wound or substance) or indirectly (such as a threat or event). The term may also describe something extremely dangerous or harmful to life.

Semantic Range

deadly, fatal, causing death, capable of bringing death, poisonous, bringing about mortal danger

Root / Etymology

Formed from the noun θάνατος (death) and the adjectival suffix -ιμος, indicating capacity or relation; thus, 'causing death' or 'with deathly qualities.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

θανάσιμος is a post-classical and Hellenistic Greek adjective, relatively rare and found in medical, literary, and later Christian texts. In the Septuagint (e.g. Wisdom 1:14, 2 Maccabees 9:9) and New Testament contexts, it describes conditions, objects, or actions that bring about death ('deadly wound,' 'poisonous,' etc.). The sense is often physical but may be metaphorical, referring to mortal danger or a fatal outcome. English translations often render it as 'deadly' or 'fatal'; however, underlying connotations can include both direct (immediate) and indirect (eventual) death. Related to the Latin word 'mortalis' (mortal), but with a stronger emphasis on the deadly nature of something, not merely being subject to death. Contrasts with ζωτικός (vital, life-giving). The term is less about the inevitability of death (as with 'mortal') and more about the active ability to cause death. Its usage in Koine Greek reflects a heightened sensitivity in the period to danger, poison, or fatal wounds, mirroring developing medical terminology.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from θάνατος; fatal, i.e. poisonous:--deadly.

Root Family

θανάσιμος (thanásimos) — deadly, fatal, causing death, capable of bringing death

Root θαν- to die, to cause death, to slay

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2286-01 θανάσιμόν thanasimon ADJ.A ACC N SG deadly deadly deadly 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2286-01 Mark 16:18 θανάσιμόν thanasimon ADJ.A ACC N SG deadly deadly deadly
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