### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phthartós**, represented by `{{G5349}}`, means **decayed** or **perishable**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. This term is used to describe things that are subject to ruin, decay, and are fundamentally temporary, standing in direct contrast to that which is eternal and undecaying.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G5349}}` is used to illustrate the distinction between the temporary and the eternal. It describes the mortal human body, which **must** `{{G1163}}` **put on** `{{G1746}}` incorruption [[1 Corinthians 15:53]]. It is also used to devalue earthly wealth, stating that believers are not **redeemed** `{{G3084}}` with **corruptible** things like **silver** `{{G694}}` and **gold** `{{G5553}}` [[1 Peter 1:18]]. Similarly, the fleeting nature of worldly achievements is described as a **corruptible** **crown** `{{G4735}}` [[1 Corinthians 9:25]]. The word is also applied to humanity in its fallen state, which **changed** `{{G236}}` the **glory** `{{G1391}}` of the uncorruptible God for an **image** `{{G1504}}` of **corruptible** **man** `{{G444}}` [[Romans 1:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of decay and permanence:
* `{{G862}}` **áphthartos** (undecaying): This is the direct antonym, meaning not corruptible or immortal. It is frequently used in contrast, such as being **born again** `{{G313}}` from **incorruptible** seed [[1 Peter 1:23]] or striving for an **incorruptible** crown [[1 Corinthians 9:25]].
* `{{G2349}}` **thnētós** (liable to die): This word for **mortal** is used in parallel with `{{G5349}}` to describe the human condition, emphasizing that this **mortal** must put on **immortality** `{{G110}}` [[1 Corinthians 15:53]].
* `{{G110}}` **athanasía** (deathlessness): As the counterpart to mortality, this term for **immortality** describes the future state that will replace the current perishable one when **death** `{{G2288}}` is swallowed up in victory [[1 Corinthians 15:54]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5349}}` is significant in several areas.
* **The Perishable Nature of the Fallen World:** `{{G5349}}` defines the state of the physical world and humanity. This is evident when humanity exchanges the **glory** `{{G1391}}` of the **uncorruptible** `{{G862}}` God for images of **corruptible** man and creation [[Romans 1:23]].
* **The Transience of Earthly Value:** The word highlights the futility of placing ultimate value in things that decay. Redemption is not accomplished with **corruptible** materials like **silver** `{{G694}}` or **gold** `{{G5553}}` [[1 Peter 1:18]], and earthly rewards are merely a **corruptible** **crown** `{{G4735}}` [[1 Corinthians 9:25]].
* **The Hope of Resurrection:** The concept of the **corruptible** is central to the promise of eternal life. The mortal body, which is **corruptible**, must be clothed with **incorruption** `{{G861}}` in the resurrection [[1 Corinthians 15:53]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5349}}` is a crucial theological term defining the temporary, decaying nature of the present existence. It is consistently used to contrast the fallen world with the eternal and undecaying nature of God, His salvation, and the future resurrection body. The word powerfully frames the human predicament of perishability, for which God provides the ultimate solution in the form of incorruptible, eternal life.
TRV