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G2288 · Greek · New Testament
θάνατος
thanatos
Noun, masculine
death, physical or spiritual death

Definition

Death — the cessation of life, whether physical, spiritual, or eternal. Thanatos is the great enemy in the NT drama: it entered through sin (Romans 5:12), reigned over humanity, and was ultimately conquered by Christ's resurrection. It is personified as 'the last enemy' (1 Corinthians 15:26).

Usage & Theological Significance

Death in the Bible is always an intruder, never natural — it is 'the wages of sin' (Romans 6:23). Christ's death on the cross was not defeat but the destruction of death itself: 'By dying he destroyed death.' The resurrection proves that thanatos has been swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54). Revelation's final vision: 'Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire' (20:14). The Christian hope is not avoidance of death but its ultimate abolition.

Key Bible Verses

Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.
1 Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
1 Corinthians 15:55 Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?
Revelation 21:4 There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.
Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Related Words

External Resources

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