Lexical Summary gaggraina: Gangrene Original Word: γάγγραινα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance canker. From graino (to gnaw); an ulcer ("gangrene") -- canker. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originperhaps from graó (to gnaw) Definition a gangrene, an eating sore NASB Translation gangrene (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1044: γάγγραιναγάγγραινα, 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 Physical Background In Greco-Roman medicine the term γάγγραινα described a necrotic sore that silently devoured healthy tissue until amputation or death resulted. Physicians such as Hippocrates and Galen warned of its stealth, rapid spread, foul odor, and deadly outcome. First-century readers therefore heard in the word an image of relentless corruption jeopardizing the whole body. Biblical Occurrence Paul employs the term once—“their talk will spread like gangrene” (2 Timothy 2:17)—to depict the effect of false teaching within the church at Ephesus. The single use does not diminish its weight; rather, the rarity sharpens its edge. Paul chooses the most graphic medical term in his vocabulary to alert Timothy to the urgency of decisive pastoral action. Metaphorical Force in Pauline Teaching 1. Progressive contagion: As gangrene advances cell by cell, so “irreverent, empty chatter” (2 Timothy 2:16) infiltrates hearts and households. Old Testament Resonances Though γάγγραινα itself is absent from the Septuagint, its moral counterpart appears in images of: The consistent Scriptural message is that unchecked evil never remains static. Historical and Cultural Context Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Timothy 2:17) spread the claim that “the resurrection has already taken place” (2 Timothy 2:18). In Greek thought a purely spiritualized afterlife was common; by adopting such ideas these men undermined bodily resurrection, the gospel’s eschatological hope (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). Paul’s medical metaphor thus confronts a syncretism that threatened apostolic doctrine during the closing years of his ministry. Pastoral Implications • Vigilance: Leaders must diagnose doctrinal infection early (Acts 20:28-30). Theological Significance 1. Holiness of doctrine: Truth is not a negotiable preference but a living trust (2 Timothy 1:13-14). Application for Contemporary Ministry • Catechesis that grounds believers in the whole counsel of God forestalls infection. Summary Strong’s Greek 1044, γάγγραινα, serves as Scripture’s stark warning that error, like a lethal sore, must be confronted swiftly and surgically lest it ravage the Body of Christ. Forms and Transliterations γαγγραινα γάγγραινα gangraina gángrainaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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