The Greek word blaberós, represented by G983, means injurious or hurtful. Derived from βλάπτω, it appears 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible. This term specifically characterizes something as being damaging or causing harm.
The single biblical use of G983 is in 1 Timothy 6:9, within a warning about the desire for wealth. The verse states that people who will G1014 to be rich G4147 fall into temptation and a snare. They are led into "many foolish G453 and hurtful lusts." These injurious desires are shown to have a catastrophic effect, as they drown G1036 men G444 in destruction G3639 and perdition G684.
Several related words from its context help clarify the meaning of G983:
- G1939 epithymía (a longing (especially for what is forbidden)): This is the noun that blaberós modifies. These desires are described as worldly Titus 2:12 and are contrasted with the will of God 1 John 2:17.
- G453 anóētos (unintelligent; by implication, sensual): This word is paired with blaberós to describe the lusts, emphasizing that they are not only damaging but also foolish and unwise 1 Timothy 6:9.
- G1036 bythízō (to sink; by implication, to drown): This verb shows the final outcome of the hurtful lusts. It conveys a sense of being completely overwhelmed, as when ships overloaded with a catch began to sink Luke 5:7.
The theological weight of G983 is significant, highlighting a clear spiritual danger.
- The Danger of Materialism: The term is central to the warning that the will to be rich is not a neutral ambition. It generates desires that are actively injurious and lead one to fall G1706 into a snare G3803, a trap which can be associated with the devil 1 Timothy 3:7.
- The Character of Sinful Lusts: By describing these longings G1939 as hurtful, the text emphasizes their inherently destructive nature. They are not harmless temptations but active agents of ruin.
- The Trajectory of Ruin: The injurious nature of these lusts is defined by their ultimate end. They plunge a person into destruction G3639 and perdition G684, terms that signify utter ruin and spiritual loss.
In summary, G983 blaberós, while rare, offers a crucial insight into the dangers of worldly desires. Its single use in 1 Timothy 6:9 frames the lusts that arise from the pursuit of wealth as being inherently hurtful and foolish. It illustrates a clear and severe progression: a misplaced will leads to injurious desires, which in turn pull a person down into complete destruction and perdition.
TRV