### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **diaphthorá**, represented by `{{G1312}}`, refers to **decay** or **corruption**. It appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from the word διαφθείρω, it specifically denotes the process of physical decay that follows death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1312}}` is used exclusively in the book of Acts to contrast the mortality of man with the resurrected nature of Christ. The apostle Peter quotes a psalm to explain that God would not let his "Holy One to see **corruption**" [[Acts 2:27]]. This is later clarified to be about the **resurrection** `{{G386}}` of Christ, whose **flesh** `{{G4561}}` did not see **corruption** [[Acts 2:31]]. In contrast, David, after serving his generation, "saw **corruption**" [[Acts 13:36]]. The core argument presented is that Christ, whom God raised again, "saw no **corruption**" [[Acts 13:37]], establishing his victory over death.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of decay and resurrection:
* `{{G3498}}` **nekrós** (dead): This term for a corpse or one who is dead sets the stage for corruption. Christ was raised from the **dead** [[Acts 13:34]], preventing his body from returning to **corruption** `{{G1312}}`.
* `{{G386}}` **anástasis** (resurrection): Defined as a standing up again or a resurrection from death, this is the direct counterpoint to remaining in a state of decay. The **resurrection** of Christ is the reason his soul was not left in hell and his flesh did not see **corruption** [[Acts 2:31]].
* `{{G4561}}` **sárx** (flesh): This word for the body or human nature is what undergoes decay. It is Christ's **flesh** that specifically "did see no **corruption**" [[Acts 2:31]], highlighting the physical nature of His resurrection.
* `{{G5590}}` **psychḗ** (soul): Described as the animal sentient principle, the **soul** is often mentioned in parallel with the body. Scripture states Christ's **soul** was not left in hell, just as his body did not see **corruption** [[Acts 2:27]].
* `{{G86}}` **háidēs** (grave, hell): This is the place or state of departed souls. God's promise was not to leave Christ's soul in **hell** `{{G86}}` or allow his body to see **corruption** [[Acts 2:27]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1312}}` is significant, primarily in Christology and the doctrine of resurrection.
* **Christ's Uniqueness:** The term is used to draw a sharp distinction between even a great patriarch like David, who saw **corruption** [[Acts 13:36]], and Jesus Christ, who saw no **corruption** [[Acts 13:37]].
* **Proof of Resurrection:** The absence of physical decay in Christ's body is presented as direct evidence of His **resurrection** `{{G386}}` from the **dead** `{{G3498}}`, as explained in [[Acts 2:31]].
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The repeated phrase, "Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see **corruption**" ([[Acts 2:27]], [[Acts 13:35]]), frames the incorruptibility of Christ's body as a divine promise fulfilled.
* **Nature of the Resurrected Body:** Christ being raised "now no more to return to **corruption**" [[Acts 13:34]] signifies that the resurrected state is permanent and immortal, unlike the mortal body which is subject to decay.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1312}}` is a precise term for physical decay that is used strategically in the book of Acts. It serves as a theological cornerstone for the early church's teaching on the resurrection, proving Christ's victory over death by emphasizing that His body, unlike all others, did not succumb to **corruption**. The word powerfully contrasts human mortality with the unique, incorruptible nature of the risen Christ.
TRV