[Greek] νεκρός (nekros): dead, corpse, dead man; 132 scriptural references
The Return of the Prodigal Son: painting by Bartolome Esteban Murillo (1667). The son was lost (dead) but has been found (alive).
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, commonly found in this era, can be used both as a noun and adjective. This term refers to a corpse, dying person, a dweller in the netherworld, animal, and inanimate object (thing without life). In a philosophical sense, this term can refer to the words (teachings) of a false philosopher. This term can often be used in a figurative sense. Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian War 4.44 states “The Athenians finding that the enemy no longer offered to engage them, stripped his dead and too up their own and immediately set up a trophy.” Aeschylus’ Agamemnon 659 states “But when the radiant light of the sun rose, we beheld the Aegean Sea flowering with corpses of Achaean men and wreckage of ships.” Euripides’ Rhesus 789 states “Down on my face I fell; tortured with pain, too weak to stand, a piteous object!” Homer’s Odyssey 11.34 states “But when with vows and prayers, I had made supplication to the tribes of the dead in the netherworld. I took the sheep and cut their throats over the pit.” Euripides’ Hecuba 679 states “You speak of the living; but the dead you do not weep for is here.”
Old Testament: This term, also used both as a noun and adjective, refers to a corpse, deceased, dead body, dweller of the underworld, false gods, idols, and ‘dog’ (person of low status). And there lay Sisera dead, with tent peg through his temple (Jdg.4:22). Your slain are not slain with the sword, nor killed in battle (Isa.22:2). The sight of which arouses yearning in the senseless man, till he longs for the inanimate form of a dead image (So.15:5). They joined in the rites of the Baal of Peor, ate food sacrificed to the dead (Psa.105:28). What are you pursuing? A dead dog! A single flea! (1Sam.24:15). You also acquire the responsibility to raise up a family for the deceased on his estate (Rth.4:5). Then he left the side of his deceased wife and addressed the Hittites (Gen.23:3).
New Testament: This term, referring to Jesus, faith, man, and inanimate objects, takes on many more meanings and senses. This term means dead, useless, ineffective, lifeless, and resistant. Jesus call those, who prefer to bury their dead rather than to follow Him, as spiritually dead. As God of the living, God speaks of Himself in relation to the ancestors of the Old Testament who become alive. The prodigal son was dead (lost in his path) and now has come to life again. The scribes and Pharisees are hypocrites whose insides are full of dead men’s bones. Those who follow Christ are dead to sin (and spiritually alive in Him). James states that a body without a sprit is dead. Likewise, faith without works is dead.
Scripture:
“But Jesus answered them, ‘Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.” Mt.8:22
Jesus refers to those who focus on the Jewish and Hellenistic obligations rather than to follow Him as spiritually dead. Jesus also calls those who refuse to follow Him as spiritually dead.
“Because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found. Then the celebration began.” Lk.15:24
The prodigal son, being lost, was also spiritually dead. This parable also presents the welcoming father as God the Father who welcomes us to Him.
“For just as a body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” Jas.2:26
The body and faith without spirit is dead. It is not possible to have faith in a vacuum. Faith without action (works) is dead.
Conclusion:
Necrosis, necrotic, necrotizing fasciitis
In the Greek Hellenistic era, it was interesting to discover that this term refers to dwellers in the netherworld and the words (teachings) spoken and taught by false prophets. In other words, these false prophets promoted a culture of death. This is very significant in how this relates to our modern culture. I think Euripides’s words “You speak of the living, but the dead you do not weep for is here” are very prophetic for our current times! (Many times the baby/fetus’s concerns are ignored).
In the Old Testament, it is interesting to note that this term refers to objects, gods, and idols opposed to the ways of God. This term even refers to despicable people often described as dogs or fleas.
In the New Testament, this term plays a more significant meaning opposed to the ways of God. Death and deadness take on various meanings. It is also possible to be alive but to be spiritually dead. The same can be said for many of us in our current culture.
During the papacy of St. John Paul II, the terms culture of life and culture of death begin to appear in our culture. There continues this battle between these two competing cultural values. As we all know, these issues involve the contentious issues of abortion, euthanasia, the definition of marriage, contraception, etc. In our culture, there still exists false teachers promoting the culture of death.
In my opinion, Jas. 2:26 does not receive the attention that this scripture deserves. Of course, this scripture has divided Catholics and other non-Catholics. Many Christians believe that works are not necessary if one already has faith. Some believe that faith is or can be separate from works. However, our values ultimately determine our actions. (We do not live in a vacuum). Many believe that faith cannot be separated from works. As a result, many Pro-life Catholics (and other Christians) have joined together in their common fight against abortion.
In the real world, how can one possibly check one’s values and beliefs at the door, when confronted with issues involving the Christian? Perhaps, this cultural attitude (thinking) may have contributed to the notion “I am personally against this, but I can’t impose my faith on that other person.” Or “I am personally against this, but that person has the “right” to do that.” Years ago, this was said about slavery. (Slavery was considered legal for a long period of time!) Now, the same can be said about abortion! With this also comes the creation of new secular rights (outside of God’s domain)
Here is a quote from Martin Luther King Jr: “Every aborted baby is like a slave in the womb of his or her mother. The mother decides his or her fate.”
Let’s be honest, this secular culture can become a positive influence or can become a culture of death. I think we all can be dead certain about that!