[Greek] ἀποκτείνω (apokteinō), [Latin] caedere: to kill, to destroy, to put to death, to do away with; 83 scriptural references
A tropaion (monument) was erected to memorialize the Battle of Leuctra where the Phocians slayed the Thebans in 371 BC. Such a monument records a “turning point” in a battle. The related Latin noun is trophaeum (trophy).
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to slay, to kill, to condemn, and to metaphorically make the death of someone. Herodotus’ The Histories 3.30 states “His first evil act was to destroy his full brother Smerdis, whom he sent away from Egypt to Persia out of jealousy.” Desmothenes’ On the False Embasy 19.148 states “They had slain two hundred and seventy Thebans at Hedyleum, and a trophy had been set up.” Antiphon’s On the Murder of Herodes 5.92 states “The wrongful taking of life by one’s vote is just as criminal as the wring taking of life by one’s hand.” Euripides’ Hippolytus 1064 states “Oh! Your high and holy manner will be the death of me!”
Old Testament: This term, related to many Hebrew terms, means to kill, to slay to smite, to die, to destroy, to oppress, and to assassinate. Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian (Exo.2:14). For many are those who has struck down dead (Prov.7:26). For you we are slain all the day long (Psa.44:23). He too fell upon the sword and died with him (1Sam.31:5). He hounded the wretched poor and brought death to the brokenhearted (Psa.109:16). Why do you wish to destroy the inheritance of the Lord (2Sam.20:19). No man is to be put to death this day (1Sam.11:13).
New Testament: This term means to kill, to destroy, and to do away with. There are many scriptural references to killing or being killed. There are scriptural references to Jesus being persecuted and being handed over to the Jewish authorities. Matthew makes reference to being afraid of the Lord who can kill both the body and soul. Paul points out that while the letter (Law) brings death, the Spirit gives life. Paul points out that sin does not exist in the law but in human nature. Man’s sinful nature is not overcome by the proclamation of the law.
Etymology: The etymology can help to explain the range of the meanings of its nuanced, metaphorical, and literal sense. The related Greek verb kteino means to excommunicate or separate someone from society. The related Greek verb apokteino describes the formal process of condemning someone to death and may also refer to actually killing someone. However, this can mean that one can actually go on living for some time. This term is indirectly related to the Greek verb trepo, meaning to turn. A trope is a figure of speech which turns (moves) the meaning of the text from a literal meaning to a figurative meaning.
Scripture:
“And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” Mt. 10:28
Man’s sinful nature can sometime resort to killing others. The Lord, however, can also kill the soul.
“For sin, seizing an opportunity in the commandment, deceived me and through it put me to death.” Rom.7:11
Paul is speaking metaphorically about sin causing death.
“Who has indeed qualified as ministers of a new covenant, not a letter but of spirit; for the letter brings death, but the Spirit gives life.” 2Cor.3:6
The Old Testament is referred to a letter. The work of this letter makes man conscious of sin
Conclusion:
Homicide, suicide, trophy, trope
In the Greek Hellenistic era, it was interesting to discover the more nuanced meanings of this term. Such examples include being metaphorically the death of someone, condemning, and voting on someone’s punishment. It was common practice to erect a tropaion (monument) to memorialize one’s victory (or loss) in a battle. I am pretty sure that they did not hand out participation trophies for coming in 12th place!
In the New Testament, it is significant to note that only the Lord can destroy the body and soul. Paul points out the limitations of the Law. There are many scriptural references to literal killing.
I hope that I was able to kill any notion that this term just means to kill someone (Here I am troping.) ☺☺☺ However, we do this everyday ourselves. (Ex. Our team “killed” them yesterday in the championship. Of course, we do not mean this to be literal.) Ok. You are probably saying now, “You’re killing me. Stop with the troping!”
Well then I will give you your participation trophy for successfully finishing this post.
Update: My next three posts next week: sojourners, strangers, and aliens