Berean Strong's Lexicon diaphtheiró: To destroy, to corrupt, to ruin, to spoil Original Word: διαφθείρω Word Origin: From the Greek preposition διά (dia, meaning "through" or "thoroughly") and φθείρω (phtheiró, meaning "to destroy" or "to corrupt"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with the concept of destruction or corruption is שָׁחַת (shachath, Strong's H7843), which means to destroy, corrupt, or ruin. Usage: The verb διαφθείρω primarily conveys the idea of causing destruction or corruption. It can refer to physical destruction, moral corruption, or the spoiling of something that was once pure or whole. In the New Testament, it is often used in contexts that highlight the consequences of sin and the ultimate judgment of God against corruption. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of corruption was not only physical but also moral and societal. The term διαφθείρω would have been understood in a broad sense, encompassing the decay of moral values, the destruction of physical structures, and the spoiling of relationships. In the biblical context, it often underscores the contrast between the holiness of God and the fallen state of humanity. HELPS Word-studies 1311 diaphtheírō (from 1223 /diá, "thoroughly," which intensifies 5351 /phtheírō, "defile, corrupt") – properly, thoroughly corrupt, totally degenerate (disintegrate); waste away by the decaying influence of moral (spiritual) impurity; "utterly corrupt"; becoming thoroughly disabled (morally depraved), "all the way through" ("utterly decayed"). [Vine, Unger, White (NT, 130), "1311 (diaphtheírō) comes from dia, 'through,' 'intensive,' to corrupt utterly, through and through." The noun form, 1312 (diaphthorá), likewise means "thorough decay."] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and phtheiró Definition to destroy utterly, to spoil, corrupt NASB Translation decaying (1), depraved (1), destroy (2), destroyed (1), destroys (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1311: διαφθείρωδιαφθείρω; 1 aorist διεφθειρα; passive (present διαφθείρομαι); perfect participle διεφθαρμενος; 2 aorist διεφθαρην; the Sept. very often for שִׁחֵת, occasionally for חִבֵּל; in Greek writings from Homer down; 1. to change for the worse, to corrupt: minds, morals; τήν γῆν, i. e. the men that inhabit the earth, Revelation 11:18; διεφθαρμένοι τόν νοῦν, 1 Timothy 6:5 (τήν διάνοιαν, Plato, legg. 10, p. 888 a.; τόν γνώμην, Dionysius Halicarnassus Antiquities 5, 21; τούς ὀφθαλμούς, Xenophon, an. 4, 5, 12). 2. to destroy, ruin, (Latinperdere); a. to consume, of bodily vigor and strength: ὁ ἔξω ἡμῶν ἄνθρωπος διαφθείρεται (is decaying), 2 Corinthians 4:16; of the worm or moth that eats provisions, clothing, etc. Luke 12:33. b. to destroy (Latindelere): Revelation 8:9; to kill, διαφθείρειν τούς, etc. Revelation 11:18. From diaballo and phtheiro; to rot thoroughly, i.e. (by implication) to ruin (passively, decay utterly, figuratively, pervert) -- corrupt, destroy, perish. see GREEK diaballo see GREEK phtheiro Englishman's Concordance Luke 12:33 V-PIA-3SGRK: οὐδὲ σὴς διαφθείρει NAS: nor moth destroys. KJV: neither moth corrupteth. INT: nor moth destroy 2 Corinthians 4:16 V-PIM/P-3S 1 Timothy 6:5 V-RPM/P-GMP Revelation 8:9 V-AIP-3P Revelation 11:18 V-ANA Revelation 11:18 V-PPA-AMP Strong's Greek 1311 |