Lexical Summary ptóma: Corpse, dead body, carcass Original Word: πτῶμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dead body, carcass, corpse. From the alternate of pipto; a ruin, i.e. (specially), lifeless body (corpse, carrion) -- dead body, carcase, corpse. see GREEK pipto NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom piptó Definition a fall, hence a misfortune, ruin NASB Translation body (3), corpse (1), dead bodies (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4430: πτῶμαπτῶμα, πτώματος, τό (πίπτω, perfect πέπτωκα); 1. in Greek writings from Aeschylus down, a fall, downfall; metaphorically, a failure, defeat, calamity; an error lapse, sin. 2. that which is fallen; hence, with the genitive of a person or with νεκροῦ added, the (fallen) body of one dead or slain, a corpse, carcase; later also with νεκροῦ omitted (Polybius, the Sept., Philo, Joseph, Plutarch, Herodian), cf. Thomas Magister, p. 765 (edited by Ritschl, p. 290, 14); Phryn. ed. Lob., p. 375; (Winer's Grammar, 23), and so in the N. T.: Matthew 14:12 L T Tr WH; Mark 15:45 L T Tr WH; Matthew 24:28; τίνος, Mark 6:29; Revelation 11:8, 9. Strong’s Greek 4430 designates the lifeless body of a human or animal. Across seven New Testament occurrences the word marks the somber reality of death, while also serving as a platform for teaching on judgment, resurrection, and discipleship. Occurrences in the Gospels 1. Matthew 14:12; Mark 6:29 – After John the Baptist is beheaded, “John's disciples came and took his body and buried it”. The term underscores the humiliation John suffered for righteousness and sets a precedent for honoring the dead with burial, even under hostile regimes. 2. Mark 15:45 – Pilate, having confirmed Jesus’ death, “granted the body to Joseph.” The evangelist’s use of the word highlights the real, physical death of Christ, countering early heresies that denied His bodily mortality. 3. Matthew 24:28 – “Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.” Spoken in the Olivet Discourse, the image portrays inevitable judgment: once spiritual death sets in, judgment follows as surely as carrion birds find a corpse. Apocalyptic Significance in Revelation 11 Revelation 11:8-9 (singular and plural forms) applies the word to the two witnesses slain in Jerusalem: Here the unburied corpses symbolize the world’s contempt for God’s messengers and the apparent triumph of evil. Yet the narrative shifts when “the breath of life from God entered them” (Revelation 11:11), turning dishonor into vindication and prefiguring the final resurrection. Theological Themes • Reality of Physical Death – Each use affirms that death is no illusion. Christ died, John died, and the witnesses die; salvation history is anchored in genuine human mortality. Historical and Cultural Background In first-century Judaism, prompt burial was a sacred duty (Deuteronomy 21:23). Leaving a body unburied signified extreme disgrace (Psalm 79:2-3). The Gospel writers’ mention of respectful burial for John and Jesus signals their righteousness, while Revelation’s picture of unburied witnesses emphasizes the world’s rebellion. Roman law allowed family or friends to request a body after execution; Joseph’s successful petition (Mark 15:45) aligns with this practice and fulfills Isaiah 53:9, which foretold Messiah’s burial “with the rich.” Ministry Implications • Proclamation – Preach the historical death and bodily resurrection of Jesus as the foundation of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Key References Matthew 14:12; Matthew 24:28; Mark 6:29; Mark 15:45; Revelation 11:8-9. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 14:12 N-ANSGRK: ἦραν τὸ πτῶμα καὶ ἔθαψαν NAS: and took away the body and buried INT: took the body and buried Matthew 24:28 N-NNS Mark 6:29 N-ANS Mark 15:45 N-ANS Revelation 11:8 N-NNS Revelation 11:9 N-ANS Revelation 11:9 N-ANP Strong's Greek 4430 |
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