### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G2704 (καταφθείρω, *kataphtheírō*) is a compound word formed from the intensifying prefix κατά (*kata*), meaning "down" or "completely," and the root verb φθείρω (*phtheírō*, `{{G5351}}`), which signifies "to corrupt, destroy, spoil, or ruin." The addition of κατά significantly intensifies the meaning of the base verb, implying a process of corruption or destruction that is thorough, complete, or utter. It denotes a state of being entirely spoiled, utterly ruined, or completely depraved.
Semantically, καταφθείρω carries a dual nuance:
1. **Literal Destruction/Perishing:** It can refer to the physical act of destroying something completely, causing it to utterly perish or be ruined beyond repair.
2. **Figurative Depravity/Corruption:** More frequently in its biblical usage, it denotes a moral or spiritual corruption that is profound and pervasive, leading to a state of utter depravity of character, mind, or faith. This is not a partial flaw but a fundamental, deep-seated rot.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G2704 appears twice in the New Testament, each instance powerfully illustrating its core meaning of complete corruption or destruction:
* **[[2 Timothy 3:8]]**: "Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of corrupt mind, rejected as regards the faith." Here, κατεφθαρμένοι (*katephtharménoi*), the perfect passive participle of καταφθείρω, describes the "mind" (νοῦς) of those who oppose the truth. The use of the perfect tense emphasizes a settled, completed state of corruption. Their minds are not merely mistaken or misguided, but are utterly depraved, ruined to the core by their opposition to God's truth. This state of complete mental and spiritual corruption renders them "rejected as regards the faith," highlighting the severe consequences of such depravity.
* **[[2 Peter 2:12]]**: "But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and destroyed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed." In this verse, καταφθαρήσονται (*kataphtērésontai*), the future passive indicative of καταφθείρω, refers to the ultimate fate of false teachers. Peter likens them to irrational animals destined for destruction. The verb here signifies their complete and utter perishing, a final and inescapable ruin that is the just consequence of their corrupt nature and destructive practices. It links their inherent depravity (like animals born for destruction) to their ultimate, complete destruction, reinforcing the idea that their corruption leads to their ruin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of G2704 is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **φθείρω (G5351)**: The root verb, meaning "to corrupt, destroy, spoil." καταφθείρω intensifies this, indicating a complete or utter corruption/destruction, often with a sense of finality or thoroughness that goes beyond mere spoiling.
* **φθορά (G5356)**: The noun form of φθείρω, meaning "corruption, decay, destruction." It is frequently used in contexts of physical decay (e.g., the body returning to dust) or moral corruption. καταφθείρω describes the active process or state leading to φθορά.
* **διαφθείρω (G1311)**: Another compound of φθείρω with the prefix διά (*dia*), meaning "through" or "thoroughly." While also implying thorough destruction or corruption, καταφθείρω often carries a stronger sense of "down to the ground," "utterly," or "completely ruined."
* **ἀπόλλυμι (G622)**: To destroy, perish, lose. This is a broader term for destruction, whereas καταφθείρω specifically emphasizes the *corruption* or *spoiling* aspect leading to that destruction, often implying a moral dimension.
The concept of καταφθείρω is intimately linked to themes of moral decay, spiritual ruin, and divine judgment. It describes the ultimate state of those who reject truth and embrace depravity, leading to an inescapable end of utter destruction.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G2704 is profound, highlighting the severe consequences of sin and the nature of divine judgment:
* **Profound Depravity of Sin:** In [[2 Timothy 3:8]], καταφθείρω underscores the deep and pervasive nature of human sin, particularly as it manifests in a "corrupt mind" that actively opposes divine truth. This is not a superficial error but a fundamental perversion of one's inner being, leading to spiritual rejection. It serves as a stark warning against intellectual and moral rebellion against God.
* **Certainty of Divine Judgment:** In [[2 Peter 2:12]], the use of καταφθείρω to describe the fate of false teachers emphasizes the certainty and completeness of God's judgment. Those who live in utter depravity and lead others astray will themselves face an utter destruction. This aligns with the biblical principle that sowing corruption inevitably reaps ruin. It is a just recompense for their destructive ways, demonstrating God's holiness and His commitment to justice.
* **Contrast with God's Nature:** The concept of utter corruption stands in stark contrast to the perfect holiness, truth, and incorruptibility of God. The very existence of καταφθείρω as a descriptor for human sin and its consequences highlights the chasm between fallen humanity and a righteous God, underscoring the necessity of redemption and transformation.
* **Call to Purity:** Implicitly, the word challenges believers to pursue purity of mind and doctrine, to guard against the insidious nature of corruption, and to live lives that reflect the incorruptible truth of the Gospel.
### Summary
G2704 (καταφθείρω, *kataphtheírō*) is a powerful Greek verb signifying a complete and utter spoiling, destruction, or depravity. Formed from an intensifying prefix and the root for corruption, it conveys a thoroughness of ruin. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the **utterly corrupted minds** of those who oppose the truth ([[2 Timothy 3:8]]) and the **complete destruction** awaiting false teachers ([[2 Peter 2:12]]). Theologically, καταφθείρω underscores the profound depravity that results from sin, the certainty and completeness of divine judgment for those who persist in corruption, and implicitly calls believers to pursue purity in contrast to such ruin. It serves as a solemn reminder that ultimate corruption leads to ultimate perishing.
TRV