διαφθείρωdiaphtheírō
to rot thoroughly, i.e. (by implication) to ruin (passively, decay utterly, figuratively, pervert)
Greek (New Testament) · G1311
Meanings
1. to destroy utterly: Luke 12:33, Revelation 11:18; passive, to be destroyed, disabled: Revelation 8:9, 2 Corinthians 4:16.
2. In moral sense, to corrupt, deprave: τ. γῆν, Revelation 11:18; passive, διεφθαρμένοι τ. νοῦν, 1 Timothy 6:5.
Same root
- διαβάλλωdiabállō · G1225(figuratively) to traduce
- φθείρωphtheírō · G5351properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e. to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave)
- ἀδιαφθορίαadiaphthoría · G90incorruptibleness, i.e. (figuratively) purity (of doctrine)
- διαφθοράdiaphthorá · G1312decay
Where it appears
Appears 6 times in the Bible.
- Luke 12:33 “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it.
- 2 Corinthians 4:16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.
- 1 Timothy 6:5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.
- Revelation 8:9 one-third of all things living in the sea died, and one-third of all the ships on the sea were destroyed.
- Revelation 11:18 The nations were filled with wrath, but now the time of your wrath has come. It is time to judge the dead and reward your servants the prophets, as well as your holy people, and all who fear your name, from the least to the greatest. It is time to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth.”
Source: G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), public domain.