διαφθείρω

diaphtheírō /dee-af-thi'-ro/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom διαβάλλω and φθείρω
Meaningto rot thoroughly, i.e. (by implication) to ruin (passively, decay utterly, figuratively, pervert)
KJV usagecorrupt, destroy, perish.
Copy as

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word diaphtheírō, represented by G1311, means to rot thoroughly, ruin, or pervert. It appears 6 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. The term carries a strong sense of utter decay and ruin, used to describe concepts like perishing, being corrupted, or being destroyed.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G1311 is applied in various contexts to illustrate both physical and moral decay. It is used to describe the perishing of the "outward man" in contrast to the renewal of the inward man 2 Corinthians 4:16. In Luke 12:33, it refers to the physical corruption of earthly treasures by a moth. The term also signifies complete destruction, as when the third part of the ships were destroyed in Revelation Revelation 8:9. Furthermore, it is used to describe moral ruin, as in "men of corrupt minds" who are destitute of truth 1 Timothy 6:5. In a climactic sense, it is used to describe God's final judgment, where He will destroy those who destroy the earth Revelation 11:18.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide deeper context for the idea of decay and its opposite:

  • G1573 ekkakéō (to be weak, to fail in heart): This word is used to describe the believer's response to the outward man perishing, which is not to faint or grow weary 2 Corinthians 4:16.
  • G3822 palaióō (to make worn out, or declare obsolete): This term is used in contrast to G1311, describing heavenly bags that do not wax old while earthly things are subject to corruption Luke 12:33.
  • G2919 krínō (to distinguish, decide, condemn): This word appears alongside G1311 in the context of divine judgment, when the time comes for the dead to be judged and for God to destroy those who destroy the earth Revelation 11:18.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G1311 is significant, highlighting key spiritual truths.

  • Physical vs. Spiritual Reality: The word distinguishes between the temporary physical world and the eternal spiritual realm. While the "outward man" may perish, the inner self is renewed, pointing to a reality beyond physical decay 2 Corinthians 4:16.
  • Moral Corruption: G1311 is used to define a state of moral and intellectual decay, describing those with corrupt minds who have turned from the truth for personal gain 1 Timothy 6:5.
  • Divine Judgment: The term is central to the concept of divine retribution. God's wrath is directed at those who destroy the earth, and His final action is to destroy them in turn, establishing ultimate justice Revelation 11:18.
  • Vanity of Earthly Treasure: The use of G1311 in reference to a moth that corrupteth illustrates the impermanence of material wealth compared to the secure, unfailing treasure found in heaven Luke 12:33.

Summary

In summary, G1311 is a powerful word that conveys a sense of thorough ruin and decay. It is applied to the physical body, material possessions, and even the human mind. The term serves to draw a sharp contrast between the corruptible, temporary nature of the earthly realm and the eternal, incorruptible promises of God, which culminate in a final judgment where destruction is met with destruction.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 7 occurrences, inflected in 7 grammatical forms.

  • 2nd Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Active Infinitive 1×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Genitive Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Participle Accusative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 5 verses across 4 books. Most frequent in Revelation (2 verses).

1
Luke
1
2 Corinthians
1
1 Timothy
2
Revelation

Verse Explorer

Select a verse to begin.