Bible Dictionary

Canker

Sin & Judgment • New Testament

Canker means gangrene or mortification that spreads progressively. In James, “cankered” describes rusted or tarnished riches.

Definition

Canker means gangrene or mortification that gradually spreads through the body. In another biblical expression, “cankered” means rusted or tarnished.

The spreading nature of gangrene illustrates the destructive progress of certain forms of evil teaching. Rusted riches are described as cankered.

The word is associated with the biblical subject of gangrene and describes progressive spreading or corrosion.

2 Timothy 2:17 James 5:3

Easton's Bible Dictionary

A gangrene or mortification which gradually spreads over the whole body (2 Tim. 2:17). In James 5:3 “cankered” means “rusted” (R.V.) or tarnished.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)

<p>kan'-ker.</p><p>See GANGRENE.</p>