probably strengthened from (to pine or waste); properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e. to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave):--corrupt (self), defile, destroy.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phtheírō**, represented by `{{G5351}}`, is a term for corruption and ruin. Its base definition is to shrivel or wither, but it extends to spoiling by any process or, more generally, to ruin. Figuratively, it signifies moral depravity. It appears **9 times** across **7 unique verses**, highlighting its specific but significant role in describing decay and destruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical text, `{{G5351}}` is used to describe different forms of corruption. It can refer to the tainting of good character, as seen in the warning that "evil communications **corrupt** good manners" [[1 Corinthians 15:33]]. The term is also used for the spiritual corruption of the mind, with Paul expressing fear that believers' minds would be **corrupted** from the simplicity in Christ, just as the serpent beguiled Eve [[2 Corinthians 11:3]]. A stark dual usage appears where the word means both to defile and to destroy; if any man **defile** the temple of God, him shall God **destroy** [[1 Corinthians 3:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the nature and source of the corruption described by `{{G5351}}`:
* `{{G1818}}` **exapatáō** (to seduce wholly): This word is used to describe the serpent's action to **beguile** Eve, which serves as a parallel for how the Corinthians' minds could be corrupted [[2 Corinthians 11:3]].
* `{{G2556}}` **kakós** (worthless, depraved): This term describes the **evil** communications that are said to corrupt good manners, pointing to the injurious and depraved quality of the influence [[1 Corinthians 15:33]].
* `{{G539}}` **apátē** (delusion): This word points to the source of internal corruption, where the "old man" is described as **corrupt** according to **deceitful** lusts [[Ephesians 4:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5351}}` is significant, highlighting the relationship between sin, defilement, and judgment.
* **The Principle of Reciprocal Destruction:** The word establishes a direct divine consequence for defilement. God promises to **destroy** `{{G5351}}` anyone who dares to **defile** `{{G5351}}` His holy temple, which believers are [[1 Corinthians 3:17]].
* **Corruption through Ungodly Influence:** The term is used to warn against the decay of both mind and morals. This can happen through external forces like evil communications [[1 Corinthians 15:33]] or through internal forces like the deceitful lusts of the "old man" [[Ephesians 4:22]].
* **Self-Inflicted Ruin:** In some contexts, corruption is a self-inflicted state. Jude describes those who, like brute beasts, **corrupt themselves** in the things they know naturally, leading to their own ruin [[Jude 1:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5351}}` is a potent term that conveys more than physical decay. It encapsulates the process of moral and spiritual ruin, whether caused by external deception, internal lusts, or self-destructive behavior. Its usage demonstrates a clear biblical principle: the act of corrupting sacred things, like the mind or the community of believers, invites a corresponding judgment of destruction from God.
TRV