### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **saprós**, represented by `{{G4550}}`, refers to that which is **rotten**, **worthless**, or **corrupt**. It appears 9 times across 6 unique verses. The term describes something that has degenerated from its original state, becoming bad or useless, and is applied in both a literal and a moral sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4550}}` is used to illustrate a clear distinction between good and bad. It is frequently used in agricultural metaphors, such as a **corrupt** tree that cannot bring forth good fruit [[Matthew 7:17]]. A tree is known by its fruit, and a **corrupt** tree produces **corrupt** fruit [[Matthew 12:33]]. This concept is extended to human behavior, particularly speech, where believers are warned to let no **corrupt** communication proceed from their mouths [[Ephesians 4:29]]. The term is also used in the parable of the net, where the **bad** fish are gathered and cast away, signifying a process of separation and judgment [[Matthew 13:48]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G4550}}`:
* `{{G18}}` **agathós** ("good"): Often used as a direct contrast to what is corrupt. It describes something that is intrinsically good and beneficial, such as the **good** works believers are created in Christ to do [[Ephesians 2:10]].
* `{{G2570}}` **kalós** (good, honest, fair): This term denotes something that is valuable or beautiful in its use or appearance. It is set in opposition to `{{G4550}}` in contexts like a **good** tree producing **good** fruit [[Luke 6:43]] or the **good** fish being kept [[Matthew 13:48]].
* `{{G4190}}` **ponērós** (evil, wicked): This word describes what is hurtful in effect or influence. A **corrupt** `{{G4550}}` tree is said to bring forth **evil** `{{G4190}}` fruit, linking the idea of worthlessness to harmfulness [[Matthew 7:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4550}}` is significant, highlighting key spiritual principles:
* **The Inevitable Link between Source and Outcome:** The repeated metaphor of the tree and its fruit establishes that a **corrupt** source cannot produce a good result. A person's inner nature dictates their outward actions, just as a **corrupt** tree yields evil fruit [[Matthew 7:17-18]].
* **The Standard for Communication:** The use of `{{G4550}}` in [[Ephesians 4:29]] sets a clear standard for speech. **Corrupt** communication, which is worthless and destructive, is contrasted with words that are good for edifying and ministering grace to the hearers.
* **The Principle of Divine Separation:** In the parable of the net, `{{G4550}}` describes the **bad** fish that are sorted out and discarded [[Matthew 13:48]]. This illustrates a theme of final judgment, where what is deemed worthless will be separated from what is valuable.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4550}}` moves beyond a simple definition of 'rotten' to serve as a powerful spiritual diagnostic tool. It is applied to both literal objects like trees and fish and moral realities like communication. The word consistently illustrates the biblical principle that a **corrupt** internal state will inevitably produce worthless or harmful external results, whether as bad fruit, destructive words, or a character unfit for God's kingdom.
TRV