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 verb φθείρω (G5351, *phtheírō*) carries a rich semantic range, rooted in the idea of deterioration and ruin. Its core meaning suggests a process of "shriveling" or "withering," akin to the decay of organic matter. From this literal sense, it expands to encompass "spoiling" or "ruining" by any process, implying a transition from a sound or good state to one of impairment or uselessness. Crucially, φθείρω is frequently employed in a figurative sense to denote moral or spiritual corruption, "depraving" or "defiling" by negative influences. It describes not merely an end state of destruction, but often the active process of decay, rot, or perversion that leads to that ruin. This dynamic nature distinguishes it from words that might simply mean "to kill" or "to annihilate," as φθείρω emphasizes the internal breakdown or vitiation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of φθείρω in the New Testament illustrate its diverse applications, moving from the physical to the profound spiritual:
* **Physical Decay/Destruction:** In [[Revelation 8:9]], it describes the destruction of ships during a divine judgment, indicating a literal ruin. Similarly, [[Revelation 11:18]] speaks of God's intention "to destroy those who destroy the earth," where the verb carries the weight of divine recompense against those who corrupt creation.
* **Moral and Spiritual Corruption:** This is perhaps the most prominent usage.
* In [[1 Corinthians 3:17]], Paul issues a stark warning: "If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him." Here, "destroying God's temple" refers to corrupting the church, the community of believers, through division or false teaching. The reciprocal destruction from God is a divine judgment against such spiritual corruption.
* [[2 Corinthians 7:2]] finds Paul asserting his integrity: "We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one." Here, φθείρω clearly signifies moral defilement or leading others astray.
* [[Ephesians 4:22]] exhorts believers to "put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires." This powerful image portrays the "old self" as actively undergoing a process of decay, driven by deceptive lusts, underscoring the dynamic nature of sin's corrupting power.
* In [[2 Peter 2:12]] and [[Jude 1:10]], φθείρω describes false teachers who, "like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be caught and destroyed, they too will be destroyed in their destruction." This highlights a self-destructive process stemming from their own depravity and ignorance, leading to their inevitable ruin.
* **Perishability:** While not always using the verb φθείρω directly, the related adjective φθαρτός (G5349, "perishable") is central to discussions of the transient nature of earthly things and the corruptibility of the human body, especially in contrast to the incorruptible spiritual body of the resurrection ([[1 Corinthians 15:42-54]]). The verb φθείρω thus undergirds the concept of all that is subject to decay and dissolution.
### Related Words & Concepts
φθείρω is part of a semantic field related to decay, ruin, and moral degradation.
* **Direct Derivatives/Compounds:**
* διαφθείρω (G1311, *diaphtheírō*): A strengthened form, often meaning "to utterly corrupt" or "to completely destroy." Used in [[Luke 12:33]] for moth-eaten garments and [[Revelation 11:18]] for those who destroy the earth.
* καταφθείρω (G2704, *kataphtheírō*): Another intensified form, meaning "to utterly ruin" or "to corrupt completely," as seen in [[2 Timothy 4:9]] regarding those with corrupted minds.
* φθαρτός (G5349, *phthartós*): The adjective, meaning "perishable" or "corruptible," frequently contrasted with ἄφθαρτος (G862, *áphthartos*), "imperishable" or "incorruptible," particularly in discussions of resurrection and eternal life ([[1 Corinthians 15:42-54]], [[1 Peter 1:18-23]]).
* **Synonyms/Related Concepts:**
* ἀπόλλυμι (G622, *apóllymi*): "To destroy," "to perish," "to lose." While similar, ἀπόλλυμι often implies a more immediate or complete annihilation, whereas φθείρω emphasizes the process of deterioration or internal corruption.
* σαπρός (G4550, *saprós*): An adjective meaning "rotten," "corrupt," or "worthless," often describing the state resulting from the process of φθείρω (e.g., [[Matthew 7:17]] for bad fruit).
* μολύνω (G3435, *molýno*): "To defile," "to pollute," often with a sense of ritual or moral impurity.
* **Antonyms/Opposites:** The concept of incorruptibility (ἀφθαρσία `{{G861}}`) and preservation are key contrasts to φθείρω.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of φθείρω is profound, touching upon several core doctrines:
* **The Nature of Sin:** φθείρω vividly portrays sin not merely as isolated acts but as a pervasive, corrupting force that actively degrades human nature ([[Ephesians 4:22]]). It speaks to the internal decay of the heart and mind when given over to deceitful desires and ungodliness. This corruption affects not only individuals but also the community ([[1 Corinthians 3:17]]).
* **Divine Judgment:** God is depicted as the ultimate upholder of purity and order, who will φθείρω (destroy) those who φθείρω (corrupt) His creation and His people ([[1 Corinthians 3:17]], [[Revelation 11:18]]). This highlights God's righteous wrath against all forms of moral and spiritual defilement. The judgment is often a just recompense for the corruption sown by humanity.
* **The Perishable vs. Imperishable:** The semantic family of φθείρω is crucial for understanding the New Testament's eschatological hope. The present world and the human body are φθαρτός (perishable), subject to decay and death because of sin. However, the resurrection promises a transformation to ἄφθαρτος (imperishable) bodies, signifying victory over the destructive power of sin and death ([[1 Corinthians 15:42-54]]). This contrast underscores the radical nature of God's redemptive work.
* **Ethical Imperative:** The understanding of φθείρω compels believers to actively resist the corrupting influences of the world and the flesh. The call to "put off the old self" ([[Ephesians 4:22]]) is a call to cease participating in the process of moral decay and to pursue spiritual renewal and purity.
### Summary
φθείρω (G5351) is a powerful Greek verb that encapsulates the multifaceted concept of decay, spoiling, and ruin. While it can describe literal physical destruction, its most significant use in the New Testament lies in depicting moral and spiritual corruption. It emphasizes an active, insidious process of deterioration, transforming what is good or sound into something depraved or useless. Theologically, φθείρω illuminates the pervasive nature of sin's corrupting power, the certainty of divine judgment against such corruption, and the profound contrast between the perishable nature of this fallen world and the glorious, imperishable hope offered through Christ's resurrection. Understanding φθείρω underscores the urgent call for believers to pursue purity and resist the defiling influences of sin, living lives that reflect the incorruptible nature of God's kingdom.
TRV