from σήπω; rotten, i.e. worthless (literally or morally):--bad, corrupt. Compare πονηρός.
Transliteration:saprós
Pronunciation:sap-ros'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective σαπρός (saprós), Strong's `{{G4550}}`, derives from the verb σήπω (sēpō), meaning "to make rotten" or "to decay." Its primary semantic range encompasses both a literal and a figurative sense. Literally, it denotes that which is rotten, putrid, decayed, or spoiled, such as fruit or fish that is unfit for consumption. Metaphorically and morally, saprós describes that which is worthless, corrupt, depraved, unwholesome, or evil in character or effect. It signifies a state of deterioration, unsuitability, or moral impurity, often implying that something has lost its integrity or beneficial quality and has become harmful or useless.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σαπρός appears sparingly but significantly in the New Testament, primarily in the Synoptic Gospels and the Epistle to the Ephesians.
In the Synoptic Gospels, saprós is used in the context of the "tree and its fruit" analogy:
* In [[Matthew 7:17]], Jesus states, "Every good tree bears good fruit, but a saprós tree bears bad fruit." This is immediately followed by [[Matthew 7:18]], which reiterates, "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a saprós tree bear good fruit." Here, saprós describes fruit that is worthless or unfit, stemming from a tree that is inherently "bad" or corrupt. The analogy serves to illustrate that a person's true character (the tree) is revealed by their actions and words (the fruit).
* Similarly, [[Matthew 12:33]] declares, "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree saprós and its fruit saprós." This passage underscores the inseparable link between the source and its output, emphasizing that a corrupt heart will produce corrupt deeds.
* [[Luke 6:43]] parallels these teachings: "For no good tree bears saprós fruit, nor again does a saprós tree bear good fruit." The consistent use of saprós in these contexts highlights the concept of inherent quality leading to commensurate results, whether in nature or in human character and conduct.
In [[Ephesians 4:29]], the usage shifts from literal fruit to human speech: "Let no saprós word come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Here, saprós describes speech that is corrupt, unwholesome, rotten, or destructive. It refers to words that do not edify, but rather tear down, pollute, or are morally unfit. The contrast with "good for building up" (οἰκοδομήν) and "giving grace" (χάριν) underscores the call for speech that is constructive, pure, and beneficial to the hearer, as opposed to that which is decaying or defiling.
### Related Words & Concepts
σαπρός (saprós) `{{G4550}}` is often compared with πoνηρός (ponērós) `{{G4190}}`, as noted in its base definition. While both can be translated as "bad" or "evil," they carry distinct nuances:
* πoνηρός (ponērós) typically denotes active evil, wickedness, maliciousness, or inherent depravity. It often implies a harmful or troublesome nature.
* σαπρός (saprós), by contrast, emphasizes a state of decay, worthlessness, or corruption, implying something that is no longer fit for its intended purpose, has deteriorated, or is morally unsound. While a ponērós person might actively do evil, saprós describes the *quality* of being rotten or unfit, whether literally (bad fruit) or morally (corrupt speech, or the state of a corrupt heart). A ponērós act might produce saprós fruit.
Other related concepts include:
* ἀγαθός (agathos) `{{G18}}`: The direct opposite, meaning good, beneficial, virtuous.
* κακός (kakos) `{{G2556}}`: General term for bad, evil, or harmful. saprós is a specific *kind* of badness, emphasizing decay or worthlessness.
* καρπός (karpos) `{{G2590}}`: Fruit, often used metaphorically for the outcome or result of actions or character. The quality of this karpos is often described by saprós or agathos.
* λόγος (logos) `{{G3056}}`: Word or speech. In Ephesians, saprós modifies logos, highlighting the moral quality of communication.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σαπρός is profound, touching upon several key doctrines:
1. **Discernment of Character:** The "tree and fruit" analogy (Matthew, Luke) is foundational for understanding spiritual discernment. It teaches that one's inner spiritual state and character (the tree) will inevitably manifest in outward actions, attitudes, and words (the fruit). A "saprós" heart cannot produce truly good fruit, and conversely, the presence of "saprós" fruit reveals a corrupt source. This calls believers to self-examination and to bear fruit consistent with a transformed life in Christ.
2. **Moral Corruption and Purity:** saprós underscores the concept of moral decay and spiritual worthlessness. It highlights the pervasive nature of sin, which can rot and corrupt not only actions but also the very core of one's being and one's communication. The call to avoid saprós speech in [[Ephesians 4:29]] is a direct imperative for believers to cultivate purity and edification in their words, reflecting the holiness of God and the transforming work of the Spirit. It emphasizes that speech is not neutral; it either builds up or tears down, gives grace or corrupts.
3. **The Importance of Speech:** The use of saprós to describe "corrupting talk" in Ephesians elevates the theological significance of human language. Words are not mere sounds but possess power to defile or to sanctify, to destroy or to build. Believers are called to speak words that are wholesome, life-giving, and grace-filled, reflecting the new creation in Christ and participating in the work of God's Spirit. saprós speech is antithetical to the life of grace.
4. **Judgment and Accountability:** Implicit in the "tree and fruit" metaphor is the concept of divine judgment. Just as a saprós tree is cut down ([[Matthew 7:19]]), so too will those whose lives produce corrupt fruit face consequences. This reinforces the idea that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but is evidenced by a life of righteousness and good works, free from the decay of sin.
### Summary
σαπρός (saprós) `{{G4550}}` is a potent Greek adjective denoting that which is rotten, decayed, or worthless, applicable both literally to physical objects (like fruit) and metaphorically to moral character and speech. In the Synoptic Gospels, it describes the "bad fruit" that reveals a corrupt "tree" or person, emphasizing the inseparable link between one's inner state and outward actions. In [[Ephesians 4:29]], saprós condemns "corrupting talk," urging believers to use their words for edification rather than destruction. Theologically, saprós highlights the necessity of spiritual discernment, the pervasive nature of moral corruption, the profound impact of human speech, and the ultimate accountability for the fruit of one's life. It serves as a stark reminder for believers to pursue purity and wholeness, ensuring that their lives and words are wholesome and life-giving, rather than decaying and defiling.
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