Death
מוּת (muth)
The cessation of life — the consequence of sin and the enemy conquered by Christ.
Muth is the Hebrew word for death, describing the cessation of life, separation from God, and the ultimate consequence of sin. Death entered through Adam's fall but is conquered through Christ's resurrection.
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." — Romans 6:23 (KJV)
Key Verses
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”Read in context
Genesis 2:17
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H4191 — Death (מוּת (muth))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where מוּת (muth) appears.
Open Strong's H4191Etymology and Original Meaning
Muth means 'to die' or 'death' — the cessation of life. The Bible uses death in multiple dimensions: physical death (the body ceasing to function), spiritual death (separation from God while alive), and eternal death (permanent separation from God — 'the second death,' Revelation 20:14). All three are consequences of sin. Death in Scripture is not natural but an intruder — the result of human rebellion.
Death Enters Through Sin
God warned Adam, 'In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die' (Genesis 2:17). Adam ate and died spiritually immediately; physical death followed eventually. Paul explains, 'By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men' (Romans 5:12). Death is universal because sin is universal. Every funeral is a consequence of Eden.
Christ Conquers Death
Jesus confronted death throughout His ministry — raising the widow's son, Jairus' daughter, and Lazarus. But the decisive battle occurred at the cross and the empty tomb. 'Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him' (Romans 6:9). His resurrection broke death's power, transforming it from a dead end into a doorway.
Death Defeated Forever
Paul taunts, 'O death, where is thy sting?' (1 Corinthians 15:55). The sting of death is sin, and Christ has removed sin's penalty. 'The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death' (1 Corinthians 15:26). Revelation confirms: 'Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire' (20:14). Death itself will die. In the new creation, 'there shall be no more death' (21:4).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does death mean in the Bible?
Death (muth) is the cessation of life and separation from God — the consequence of sin. It operates on physical, spiritual, and eternal levels. Death entered through Adam's sin but is conquered through Christ's resurrection.
Has death been defeated?
Yes. Christ's resurrection broke death's power (Romans 6:9). For believers, death has lost its sting (1 Corinthians 15:55). The final destruction of death occurs when it is cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14) — death itself will die.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Death"?
Romans 6:23 — "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (KJV). It also appears in 1 Corinthians 15:55, Genesis 2:17.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Death" matter?
Muth means 'to die' or 'death' — the cessation of life. English uses one word, "Death", where the Hebrew מוּת (muth) carries the fuller sense: the cessation of life — the consequence of sin and the enemy conquered by christ.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Death (מוּת (muth))
The cessation of life — the consequence of sin and the enemy conquered by Christ.
Strong's H4191 — Death
מוּת (muth) • The cessation of life — the consequence of sin and the enemy conquered by Christ.
Hebrews 11:6 — Meaning & Devotional
Pleasing God
Hebrews 10:26 Commentary
In-depth study • The Weight of Wilful Sin
Sacrifice (זֶבַח (Zevach) / θυσία (Thysia))
An offering presented to God; ultimately fulfilled in Christ
Strong's G2288 — Death
θάνατος (thanatos) • Separation — physical, spiritual, and eternal — the consequence of sin.
Where to go next
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