### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective βλαβερός (blaberós, `{{G983}}`) is derived directly from the verb βλάπτω (blaptō, `{{G982}}`), which means "to harm," "to injure," "to damage," or "to hurt." As an adjective, βλαβερός therefore describes something that is inherently "injurious," "hurtful," "detrimental," or "pernicious." It denotes the *quality* or *nature* of causing harm, rather than merely the *act* of harming. The harm indicated by βλαβερός can encompass various forms, including physical injury, material loss, or, more commonly in a theological context, spiritual or moral damage. Its semantic range points to anything that possesses the capacity to inflict significant disadvantage or destruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term βλαβερός (blaberós, `{{G983}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[1 Timothy 6:9]]. This sole occurrence is profoundly significant for understanding its theological weight:
* **[[1 Timothy 6:9]]**: "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, and into many senseless and **harmful** desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction."
In this passage, Paul issues a stern warning against the pursuit of wealth. The "desires" (ἐπιθυμίαι, epithymiai) associated with the desire to be rich are characterized as βλαβερός. This indicates that such desires are not merely misguided or unproductive; they are actively injurious. They possess an inherent quality of causing damage. The context amplifies this by stating that these harmful desires "plunge people into ruin and destruction" (εἰς ὄλεθρον καὶ ἀπώλειαν, eis olethron kai apōleian). Here, βλαβερός underscores the severe, destructive consequences of covetousness, leading to spiritual and potentially eternal loss. The harm is not trivial but leads to ultimate undoing.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding βλαβερός (blaberós, `{{G983}}`) is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **Root Verb:** βλάπτω (blaptō, `{{G982}}`): The direct verbal root, meaning "to injure, harm, damage." This connection emphasizes the active, damaging nature implied by the adjective.
* **Antonyms/Opposites:**
* ὠφέλιμος (ōphelimos, `{{G5624}}`): "profitable," "useful," "beneficial." This term stands in direct conceptual contrast, often used to describe what builds up or benefits.
* ἀγαθός (agathos, `{{G18}}`): "good," "beneficial."
* **Synonyms/Related Terms for Harm/Evil:**
* κακός (kakos, `{{G2556}}`): "bad," "evil," "worthless." A more general term for moral or intrinsic badness.
* πονηρός (ponēros, `{{G4190}}`): "evil," "wicked," "malignant." Often implies active malevolence or a destructive influence.
* ζημία (zemia, `{{G2210}}`): "damage," "loss," "injury." This noun describes the consequence of being harmed.
* ἀπώλεια (apōleia, `{{G684}}`): "destruction," "ruin," "perdition." This is the ultimate outcome mentioned in [[1 Timothy 6:9]], highlighting the severity of the harm caused by βλαβερός desires.
* **Concepts:** The word relates to biblical warnings against materialism, covetousness, idolatry (where wealth replaces God), spiritual danger, and moral corruption. It highlights the insidious nature of sin that, under a veneer of desirability, actively works to dismantle spiritual well-being.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of βλαβερός (blaberós, `{{G983}}`) in [[1 Timothy 6:9]] carries profound theological weight, particularly concerning the nature of sin and the pursuit of worldly gain:
* **Nature of Sin:** The term reveals that certain desires are not merely misguided or ethically neutral, but inherently and actively destructive to the human soul. Covetousness is portrayed not as a minor flaw but as a spiritually toxic force.
* **Divine Assessment of Harm:** God's Word, through this term, provides a divine assessment of what truly harms humanity. While the world may view the pursuit of wealth as beneficial or desirable, the Scripture unequivocally labels the desires associated with it as βλαβερός, leading to ultimate ruin. This underscores a divine perspective that often contrasts sharply with human values.
* **Warning Against Materialism:** βλαβερός contributes to the robust biblical critique of materialism. It emphasizes that the love of money is not just a distraction from spiritual pursuits but an active agent of spiritual injury and destruction, potentially leading to eternal perdition.
* **Call to Discernment:** For believers, the term serves as a powerful call to spiritual discernment. It urges them to recognize and avoid desires and paths that, while seemingly attractive, are intrinsically βλαβερός and will ultimately lead to spiritual shipwreck. It highlights the necessity of guarding one's heart against influences that actively work against one's relationship with God and ultimate salvation.
### Summary
The Greek adjective βλαβερός (blaberós, `{{G983}}`), meaning "injurious" or "hurtful," is derived from the verb βλάπτω (to harm). Its singular but impactful appearance in [[1 Timothy 6:9]] describes "harmful desires" that stem from the desire to be rich. This term underscores that such desires are not benign but are inherently destructive, possessing the quality to inflict profound spiritual and moral damage, ultimately leading to "ruin and destruction." The use of βλαβερός serves as a potent theological warning against the perils of covetousness, revealing it as a spiritually toxic force that actively works against human flourishing and eternal well-being. It calls believers to a deep discernment of desires, recognizing that what the world may deem desirable, God's Word identifies as profoundly injurious to the soul.
TRV