Canker
“Gangrene, mortification”
Summary
A term for gangrene used figuratively by Paul to describe the spreading corruption of false teaching in the church.
☩Meaning
The Greek word gangraina refers to gangrene, a disease in which tissue dies and mortification spreads progressively over the body. The term 'canker' in older English described a spreading, consuming sore or disease.
☩Paul's Warning
Paul used this vivid medical imagery to warn Timothy about the teaching of Hymenaeus and Philetus, who had erred from the truth by claiming the resurrection had already occurred. Just as gangrene spreads relentlessly through the body, destroying healthy tissue, so false doctrine spreads through the church, corrupting faith and 'eating' its way through the community of believers. Such teaching saps the vitals of Christianity.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Canker," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Canker," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).