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G615 · Greek · New Testament
ἀποκτείνω
Apokteinō
Verb
To Kill / To Put to Death / To Slay

Definition

The Greek verb apokteinō means to kill, to slay, to put to death. It is the most common NT verb for killing, used of physical death, martyrdom, spiritual death (killing 'with the sword of the mouth'), and the death of Christ.

Usage & Theological Significance

The pattern of apokteinō in the Gospels builds toward a devastating climax. Jesus predicts that the Son of Man will be killed (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34) — each prediction more explicit than the last. The Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:39) dramatizes Israel's history: the landowner sends servants (the prophets), and they are killed (apokteinō); finally he sends his son, and they kill him too. Jesus also expands the definition of killing in Matthew 5:21-22 — the 'murder' of the sixth commandment includes anger and contempt. Revelation uses apokteinō for both martyrdom (6:11; 13:15) and Christ's judgment (19:21). Death is real in Scripture — but not final: the One who was apoktantheis (killed) is now risen.

Key Bible Verses

Mark 8:31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed (apokteinō) and after three days rise again.
Matthew 5:21 You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder (apokteinō).'
Matthew 23:37 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill (apokteinō) the prophets and stone those sent to you...
Revelation 6:11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, who were to be killed (apokteinō) just as they had been, was completed.
John 5:18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill (apokteinō) him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father.

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