Lexical Summary epithanatios: Doomed to die, sentenced to death Original Word: ἐπιθανάτιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance condemned to deathFrom epi and thanatos; doomed to death -- appointed to death. see GREEK epi see GREEK thanatos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and thanatos Definition condemned to death NASB Translation men condemned (1), men condemned to death (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1935: ἐπιθανάτιοςἐπιθανάτιος, ἐπιθανατιον (θάνατος), doomed to death: 1 Corinthians 4:9. (Dionysius Halicarnassus, Antiquities 7, 35.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s 1935 occurs a single time in the New Testament, embedded in the vivid self-description of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:9. The word portrays individuals publicly marked out as doomed to death—a powerful metaphor that Paul harnesses to communicate the cost, humility, and spectacle of apostolic ministry. Contextual Usage (1 Corinthians 4:9) “For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles last of all, like men condemned to die; we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.” (Berean Standard Bible) By choosing this rare term, Paul likens himself and his fellow apostles to prisoners paraded before a jeering crowd, destined for execution. The singular appearance of the word heightens its dramatic effect, underscoring both the severity of their trials and the divine purpose behind them. Historical Background: Roman Spectacles and Death Sentences • Public execution of captives was a common feature of Roman games. Those “appointed to death” marched at the end of the procession, evoking maximum pathos and disdain. Theological Significance 1. Identification with Christ Applications in Ministry • Expectation of Opposition Believers must not be surprised when obedience attracts reproach. The apostles’ experience sets a pattern for realistic discipleship (2 Timothy 3:12). God may “display” His servants publicly, not for their glory but to showcase divine grace and perseverance. The very platform of suffering can become an arena in which the gospel’s power is seen most clearly (Philippians 1:12-14). Christian leaders gauge success by faithfulness under fire, not by worldly acclaim (1 Peter 5:2-4). Intertextual Connections • Romans 8:36: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” The vocabulary differs, yet the motif of believers reckoned for death resonates with Strong’s 1935. Conclusion Strong’s 1935 encapsulates the paradox of Christian ministry: public shame that heralds eternal triumph. In one unforgettable term Paul compresses the tension between earthly degradation and heavenly honor, urging every generation to count the cost and cherish the privilege of being “displayed” for Christ. Forms and Transliterations επιθανατιους επιθανατίους ἐπιθανατίους επίθεμα επιθέματα επιθέματι επιθέματος επιθεμάτων epithanatious epithanatíousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |