from διαβάλλω and φθείρω; to rot thoroughly, i.e. (by implication) to ruin (passively, decay utterly, figuratively, pervert):--corrupt, destroy, perish.
Transliteration:diaphtheírō
Pronunciation:dee-af-thi'-ro
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1311 (διαφθείρω, *diaphtheírō*) is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "thoroughly," and the verb φθείρω (phthéirō, `{{G5351}}`), meaning "to corrupt, destroy, spoil, or decay." The combination therefore signifies a complete and thorough process of ruin, spoilage, or perversion. It implies a comprehensive destruction, moving beyond mere damage to an utter state of decay or corruption.
Its semantic range encompasses:
1. **Physical Decay/Destruction:** To rot thoroughly, to cause something to perish completely, or to be utterly destroyed. This can apply to material objects.
2. **Moral/Spiritual Corruption:** To pervert, to corrupt the mind, character, or truth. This often implies a process of deterioration that leads to a depraved state.
3. **Ruin/Annihilation:** To bring to ruin, to utterly destroy, often in the context of judgment or severe consequences.
The intensive nature of διά emphasizes that the corruption or destruction is not superficial but penetrates to the core, leading to a complete and irreversible state of ruin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G1311 appears in the New Testament with significant contextual variations, highlighting its broad applicability to both physical and spiritual realities:
* **Physical Decay and Impermanence:** In [[Luke 12:33]], Jesus admonishes His disciples to "sell your possessions and give to the poor... a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys (*diaphtheírei*)." Here, διαφθείρω refers to the physical decay or destruction of earthly treasures by natural means (moth, rust). It underscores the transient and perishable nature of material wealth in contrast to eternal, heavenly treasures.
* **Moral and Intellectual Corruption:** The Pastoral Epistles employ G1311 to describe the detrimental effects of false teaching and ungodly living on the human mind and faith.
* [[1 Timothy 6:5]] speaks of "men of corrupt mind (*diephtharmenōn ton noun*) and deprived of the truth." This refers to a mind that has been thoroughly perverted or ruined by error and ungodliness, rendering it incapable of discerning or adhering to truth.
* Similarly, [[2 Timothy 3:8]] describes those who oppose the truth as "men of corrupt mind (*diephtharmenoi ton noun*), reprobate concerning the faith." The corruption here is not merely intellectual error but a fundamental perversion of moral and spiritual faculties, leading to an unapproved or rejected state regarding the faith. In these instances, διαφθείρω signifies a profound spiritual and ethical decay that undermines one's relationship with God and truth.
* **Divine Judgment and Retribution:** The Book of Revelation uses G1311 to describe acts of divine judgment, often in response to human actions that corrupt or destroy.
* In [[Revelation 8:9]], during the sounding of the trumpets, "a third of the ships were destroyed (*diephthárēsan*)." This is a literal, physical destruction caused by divine intervention, signifying the devastating consequences of God's wrath upon the earth.
* Most profoundly, [[Revelation 11:18]] declares, "The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that You should reward Your servants the prophets... and should destroy (*diaphtheírai*) those who destroy (*diaphtheírontas*) the earth." This verse presents a powerful theological statement. The active voice ("those who destroy") refers to humanity's destructive actions, whether through environmental degradation, moral corruption, or oppression. The passive voice ("should destroy") signifies God's righteous judgment and retribution against those who corrupt His creation. It highlights divine justice, where the destroyers themselves face ultimate destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The intensive nature of G1311 is best understood in relation to its root and other terms of destruction:
* **φθείρω (phthéirō, `{{G5351}}`):** The base word, meaning to corrupt, destroy, spoil. διαφθείρω intensifies this, indicating a complete and thorough corruption or destruction.
* **ἀπόλλυμι (apóllumi, `{{G622}}`):** To destroy, perish, lose. While both ἀπόλλυμι and διαφθείρω can mean "to destroy," διαφθείρω often emphasizes the process of decay or corruption leading to ruin, whereas ἀπόλλυμι can denote a more immediate or definitive loss or ruin.
* **σαπρός (sapros, `{{G4550}}`):** Rotten, worthless, corrupt. This adjective describes the *state* of something that has undergone the process of διαφθείρω.
* **ὄλεθρος (olethros, `{{G3639}}`):** Destruction, ruin, often referring to eternal ruin.
* **Concepts:** Decay, ruin, perversion, moral corruption, physical destruction, divine judgment, impermanence, stewardship.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1311 is multifaceted, touching upon eschatology, ethics, and the nature of God:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Justice:** The occurrences in Revelation underscore God's ultimate sovereignty over creation and His unwavering justice. He is the one who will "destroy those who destroy the earth," affirming that there are consequences for human actions, particularly those that bring widespread corruption or ruin. This speaks to God's active involvement in history and His righteous judgment against evil.
2. **The Peril of Corruption:** The usage in the Pastoral Epistles highlights the profound danger of moral and intellectual corruption. A "corrupt mind" is a mind that has been utterly ruined by falsehood and sin, rendering it spiritually unproductive and hostile to truth. This emphasizes the critical importance of guarding one's mind and heart, adhering to sound doctrine, and pursuing holiness to avoid spiritual decay.
3. **Transience of Earthly Wealth:** [[Luke 12:33]] serves as a stark reminder of the perishable nature of material possessions. It challenges believers to reorient their priorities from accumulating earthly treasures, which are subject to decay and destruction, to investing in eternal, spiritual riches that are imperishable. This aligns with a broader biblical theme of detachment from worldly attachments.
4. **Stewardship of Creation:** While not explicitly a command for environmentalism, [[Revelation 11:18]] can be seen as a foundational text for Christian environmental ethics. The divine judgment against "those who destroy the earth" implies that humanity has a responsibility to care for creation, and that its abuse is an offense against the Creator, incurring divine wrath.
5. **The Call to Purity and Integrity:** The negative connotations of διαφθείρω implicitly call believers to pursue purity, integrity, and righteousness. To resist being corrupted by the world's values, false teachings, or sinful desires is a central aspect of Christian discipleship, ensuring that one's faith and character remain unblemished.
### Summary
The Greek word G1311 (διαφθείρω, *diaphtheírō*) denotes a thorough and complete process of destruction, corruption, or ruin. Rooted in the idea of "rotting thoroughly," its New Testament usage extends from the literal decay of physical objects to the profound moral and intellectual perversion of individuals, and ultimately, to the divine judgment meted out against those who bring ruin. It serves as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of earthly things, the insidious danger of spiritual corruption, and the unyielding justice of God who will ultimately "destroy those who destroy the earth." The word thus carries significant theological weight, urging believers towards purity, responsible stewardship, and an eternal perspective, while affirming God's ultimate sovereignty and just retribution.
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