Bible Dictionary
DECEASE, IN NEW TESTAMENT
In the New Testament, decease means death or departure from this earthly life. The related expression “departure” can portray death as an exit or exodus from the present life.
Definition
In the New Testament, decease means death or the ending of earthly life. A related term, departure or exodus, presents death as an exit from the present life.
Biblical Usage
The word is used for dying and for the approaching end of life. Jesus’ “decease” is also described as the departure He was about to accomplish, and Peter speaks of his own departure.
Historical Background
The underlying Greek terms include one meaning to come to an end and another meaning exodus, exit, or departure.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>de-ses' (teleutao, "to come to an end," "married and deceased" (Mt 22:25)): With thanato, "death," "die the death" (Mt 15:4; Mr 7:10, the Revised Version, margin "surely die"). Elsewhere the word is translated "die" (Mt 2:19; 9:18; Mr 9:48 and often; Heb 11:22, the Revised Version (British and American) "end was nigh").</p><p>Also the substantive, exodos, "exodus," "exit," "departure," "his decease which he was about to accomplish" (Lu 9:31, the Revised Version, margin "departure"); "after my decease" (2Pe 1:15, the Revised Version, margin "departure").</p>