φθείρωphtheírō
properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e. to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave)
Greek (New Testament) · G5351
Meanings
to destroy, corrupt, spoil: with accusative, 1 Corinthians 3:17, 1 Corinthians 15:23, 2 Corinthians 7:2; followed by ἀπό, 2 Corinthians 11:3; ἐν, 2 Peter 2:12, Jude 1:10, Revelation 19:2; κατά, Ephesians 4:22 (cf. δια-, κατα-φθείρω).
Same root
- καταφθείρωkataphtheírō · G2704to spoil entirely, i.e. (literally) to destroy; or (figuratively) to deprave;
- φθόνοςphthónos · G5355ill-will (as detraction), i.e. jealousy (spite)
- φθοράphthorá · G5356decay, i.e. ruin (spontaneous or inflicted, literally or figuratively)
- ἄφθαρτοςáphthartos · G862undecaying (in essence or continuance)
- φθαρτόςphthartós · G5349decayed, i.e. (by implication) perishable
- διαφθείρωdiaphtheírō · G1311to rot thoroughly, i.e. (by implication) to ruin (passively, decay utterly, figuratively, pervert)
Where it appears
Appears 9 times in the Bible.
- 1 Corinthians 3:17 God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
- 1 Corinthians 15:33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”
- 2 Corinthians 7:2 Please open your hearts to us. We have not done wrong to anyone, nor led anyone astray, nor taken advantage of anyone.
- 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.
- Ephesians 4:22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.
- 2 Peter 2:12 These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed. They scoff at things they do not understand, and like animals, they will be destroyed.
Source: G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), public domain.