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θνητός

thnētós

G2349 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Root θνῃσκ- to die, perishable, fated to die

Definition

Subject to death; having a nature that is destined to die as opposed to being immortal. The term primarily denotes that which is by nature mortal, liable to death, or not possessing immortality. In various contexts, it refers to living beings (especially human beings) whose state is marked by the inevitability of death, and by extension to aspects of existence characterized by finitude or transience.

Semantic Range

mortal, subject to death, perishable, destined to die, transitory (of living beings); by extension, of things or conditions marked by impermanence or destined to end

Root / Etymology

From the verb θνῄσκω (to die), with the adjectival suffix -τός, indicating a state or condition. Thus, θνητός essentially means 'in the state of dying' or 'subject to death.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, θνητός appears frequently in poetry and prose to distinguish mortals (humans) from gods, who are ἀθάνατος (immortal). This distinction continues through Hellenistic and Koine periods. In the Septuagint, it often translates Hebrew words referring to human mortality and transience (cf. אֱנוֹשׁ, אֲדָם). In the New Testament (e.g., Romans 6:12; 1 Corinthians 15:53-54), θνητός emphasizes the human condition in contrast to the promise of immortality. English translations commonly render it as 'mortal,' but it bears connotations of both inevitability (bound to die) and existential transience that may not be fully captured in modern usage. While the term does not inherently denote weakness beyond mortality, it often underlines the contrast between the temporary state of earthly existence and the hoped-for immortal state in various philosophical and religious contexts. In Greek literature, θνητός frequently stands as a collective noun for 'mortals' in general, highlighting the universal condition of death as a boundary defining humanity.

Translation Consistency

primary "mortal" 6 occurrences

θνητός denotes being subject to death or transitory; 'mortal' is the common, natural English adjective (and substantive) that captures the typical sense across contexts. It matches the SILEX range (mortal, perishable, transitory) and aligns with the existing P2 renderings.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from θνήσκω; liable to die:--mortal(-ity).

Root Family

θνητός (thnētos) — mortal, subject to death, perishable, destined to die

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2349-04 θνητὸν thneton ADJ.S ACC N SG mortal the mortal thing the mortal thing 3
G2349-02 θνητῇ thnete ADJ.A DAT F SG mortal to a mortal (feminine) mortal 1
G2349-01 θνητὰ thneta ADJ.A ACC N PL mortal mortal things mortal bodies 1
G2349-03 θνητῷ thneto ADJ.S DAT N SG mortal to the mortal mortal 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2349-03 Romans 6:12 θνητῷ thneto ADJ.S DAT N SG mortal to the mortal mortal
G2349-01 Romans 8:11 θνητὰ thneta ADJ.A ACC N PL mortal mortal things mortal bodies
G2349-04 1 Corinthians 15:53 θνητὸν thneton ADJ.S ACC N SG mortal the mortal thing the mortal thing
G2349-04 1 Corinthians 15:54 θνητὸν thneton ADJ.S NOM N SG mortal the mortal thing the mortal thing
G2349-02 2 Corinthians 4:11 θνητῇ thnete ADJ.A DAT F SG mortal to a mortal (feminine) mortal
G2349-04 2 Corinthians 5:4 θνητὸν thneton ADJ.S NOM N SG mortal the mortal thing the mortal thing
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