1044. gaggraina

Lexicon

gaggraina: Gangrene

Original Word: γάγγραινα
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: gaggraina
Pronunciation: GANG-grain-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (gang'-grahee-nah)
Definition: Gangrene
Meaning: gangrene, mortification.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

canker.

From graino (to gnaw); an ulcer ("gangrene") -- canker.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
perhaps from graó (to gnaw)
Definition
a gangrene, an eating sore
NASB Translation
gangrene (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1044: γάγγραινα

γάγγραινα, γαγγραινης, ἡ (γράω or γραίνω to gnaw, eat), a gangrene, a disease by which any part of the body suffering from inflammation becomes so corrupted that, unless a remedy be seasonably applied, the evil continually spreads, attacks other parts, and at last eats away the bones: 2 Timothy 2:17 (where cf. Ellicott). (Medical writings (cf. Wetstein (1752) at the passage cited); Plutarch, diser. am. et adulat. c. 36.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb γραίνω (grainō), meaning "to gnaw" or "to eat away."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for γάγγραινα in the Old Testament. However, the concept of decay and corruption can be related to Hebrew words such as שַׁחַת (shachat, Strong's H7845), meaning "pit" or "corruption," and רָקָב (raqab, Strong's H7538), meaning "rot" or "decay." These terms similarly convey the idea of destruction and deterioration.

Usage: The word γάγγραινα is used in the New Testament to describe the destructive and spreading nature of false teachings or harmful influences within the church.

Context: • Contextual Analysis: The term γάγγραινα appears in the New Testament in 2 Timothy 2:17. The Apostle Paul uses it metaphorically to describe the dangerous and corrupting influence of false teachings. Just as gangrene spreads through the body, false doctrines can spread through the church, leading to spiritual decay and division.
• Scriptural Reference: In 2 Timothy 2:17, Paul warns Timothy about the teachings of Hymenaeus and Philetus, stating, "And their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus." (BSB)
• Theological Implications: The use of γάγγραινα underscores the importance of sound doctrine and the vigilance required to protect the church from teachings that can lead believers astray. It highlights the need for discernment and the responsibility of church leaders to address and correct false teachings promptly.
• Historical and Cultural Background: In the ancient world, gangrene was a well-known and feared medical condition due to its rapid spread and often fatal outcome. By using this term, Paul effectively communicates the severity and urgency of dealing with false teachings.

Forms and Transliterations

γαγγραινα γάγγραινα gangraina gángraina

Englishman's Concordance

2 Timothy 2:17 N-NFS
GRK: αὐτῶν ὡς γάγγραινα νομὴν ἕξει
NAS: like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus
KJV: will eat as doth a canker: of whom is
INT: of them as a gangrene pasture will have

Strong's Greek 1044
1 Occurrence

γάγγραινα — 1 Occ.