### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The word G5352 (φθινοπωρινός, phthinopōrinós) is an adjective derived from two significant Greek components: φθίνω (phthinō), meaning "to wane, waste away, decay, perish," and ὀπώρα (opōra), which refers to "late summer" or "autumn," and by extension, the fruit of that season. Its core meaning is "autumnal," but it is imbued with a profound semantic nuance beyond mere seasonal description. The presence of φθίνω strongly connects G5352 to concepts of decline, fading, perishing, and the process of withering. Thus, it describes something characteristic of late autumn, specifically in its aspect of decline and loss, such as leaves falling or fruit decaying on the vine or tree. The Strong's definition "whose fruit withereth" accurately captures this sense of decline and barrenness, pointing to a state of being unproductive and in decay.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G5352 occurs only once in the New Testament, found in the Epistle of Jude.
[[Jude 1:12]]: "These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; *autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, uprooted*; wild waves of the sea, casting up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever."
In this powerful passage, Jude employs a series of striking natural metaphors to describe the false teachers and ungodly individuals who have infiltrated the Christian community. The phrase "autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, uprooted" (δένδρα φθινοπωρινά ἄκαρπα δὶς ἀποθανόντα ἐκριζωθέντα) is particularly potent. The use of G5352 (φθινοπωρινά) here is crucial; it does not merely describe trees in the autumn season, but specifically evokes trees that are in a state of decay and barrenness, characteristic of the season when life recedes and fruitfulness has ceased. The accompanying descriptors amplify this meaning: "without fruit" (ἄκαρπα) emphasizes their spiritual barrenness and lack of genuine spiritual produce; "twice dead" (δὶς ἀποθανόντα) is a hyperbole signifying utter spiritual lifelessness, perhaps referring to being spiritually dead before conversion and then dying again through apostasy; and "uprooted" (ἐκριζωθέντα) suggests complete removal from any source of life or stability, implying their ultimate destruction and separation from God. Contextually, these "autumn trees" represent individuals who appear to be part of the community but are spiritually fruitless, devoid of true life, and destined for judgment, offering no spiritual nourishment or stability.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **φθείρω (phtheirō, `{{G5351}}`):** This verb, meaning "to corrupt, destroy, spoil, ruin," is closely related to the φθίνω root found in G5352. The connection underscores the concept of decay, corruption, and spiritual ruin associated with the "autumnal" nature of the false teachers.
* **ἄκαρπος (akarpos, `{{G175}}`):** Meaning "fruitless, barren, unproductive," this adjective directly accompanies G5352 in [[Jude 1:12]], reinforcing the idea of spiritual barrenness. It is used elsewhere in the New Testament to describe those who do not produce the fruit of the Spirit or good works (e.g., [[Matthew 13:22]], [[Ephesians 5:11]], [[Titus 3:14]]).
* **νεκρός (nekros, `{{G3498}}`):** "Dead." The phrase "twice dead" in [[Jude 1:12]] emphasizes a profound spiritual lifelessness. This connects to broader biblical themes of spiritual death due to sin (e.g., [[Ephesians 2:1]]) and the ultimate death of judgment.
* **ἐκριζόω (ekrizoō, `{{G1610}}`):** "To root out, uproot, pluck up by the roots." This verb, also used in [[Jude 1:12]], signifies complete removal and destruction, aligning with the imagery of a tree utterly devoid of life and stability.
* **Metaphors of Trees and Fruit:** The Bible frequently employs trees and their fruit as metaphors for individuals and their spiritual condition or works. Good trees bear good fruit, bad trees bear bad fruit (e.g., [[Matthew 7:17-19]]). The "autumn trees" in Jude invert this, presenting a picture of utter failure to bear fruit, leading to ultimate destruction.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G5352 in [[Jude 1:12]] lies in its powerful depiction of apostasy and spiritual barrenness. It serves as a stark warning against false teachers and those who profess faith but lack genuine spiritual life and fruit. These individuals are not merely unproductive; they are actively decaying and destructive within the community. The imagery of "autumn trees whose fruit withereth, twice dead, uprooted" conveys a profound theological truth about the consequences of spiritual deception and ungodliness. It speaks to:
1. **Spiritual Barrenness:** Such individuals produce no spiritual fruit (e.g., love, joy, peace) but rather corruption. They are devoid of the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit.
2. **Profound Deceit:** They are "hidden reefs" and "clouds without water," deceptive in appearance, offering no true nourishment or refreshment. Their "autumnal" nature means they have passed their season of fruitfulness and are in decline.
3. **Irreversible Judgment:** The "twice dead" and "uprooted" imagery points to an ultimate, irreversible spiritual demise and separation from God. Their end is not merely a lack of reward, but eternal destruction, as indicated by "the gloom of utter darkness" reserved for them.
This single occurrence of G5352 powerfully reinforces the biblical emphasis on the necessity of bearing fruit as evidence of true faith and the severe judgment awaiting those who are spiritually barren and destructive. It highlights the contrast between genuine, life-giving faith and a deceptive, decaying counterfeit.
### Summary
The Greek word G5352 (φθινοπωρινός, phthinopōrinós) means "autumnal," specifically denoting the decay and barrenness characteristic of late autumn, as in "whose fruit withereth." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Jude 1:12]] is profoundly significant. There, it describes false teachers as "autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, uprooted." This vivid metaphor portrays individuals who are spiritually barren, devoid of true life or good works, and destined for ultimate judgment. The term links closely with concepts of corruption (`{{G5351}}`), fruitlessness (`{{G175}}`), spiritual death (`{{G3498}}`), and complete destruction (`{{G1610}}`). Theologically, G5352 underscores the severe consequences of spiritual deception and apostasy, emphasizing the critical importance of genuine faith evidenced by spiritual fruit, in contrast to the decaying and destructive nature of those who offer no true spiritual nourishment.
TRV