Strong's Lexicon kataphtheiró: To corrupt, to destroy, to ruin Original Word: καταφθείρω Word Origin: From the Greek prefix κατα- (kata-, meaning "down" or "against") and φθείρω (phtheiró, meaning "to destroy" or "to corrupt"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for καταφθείρω, similar concepts can be found in Hebrew words like שָׁחַת (shachath, Strong's H7843), which means "to destroy" or "to corrupt." Usage: The verb καταφθείρω (kataphtheiró) is used in the New Testament to convey the idea of corruption or destruction, often in a moral or spiritual sense. It implies a thorough or complete ruin, going beyond mere physical destruction to include moral decay or spiritual downfall. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of corruption was not only physical but also moral and ethical. The term καταφθείρω would have been understood in the context of societal and personal integrity, where corruption could lead to the downfall of individuals or communities. In the biblical context, this term often relates to the spiritual corruption that leads people away from God's truth and righteousness. HELPS Word-studies 2704 kataphtheírō (from 2596 /katá, "down, according to," intensifying 5351 /phtheírō, "corrupt") – properly, corrupted all the way down (thoroughly degenerated); utterly corrupted; to despoil, bringing down to a lower (inferior) form (note the prefix, 2596 /katá). 2704 (kataphtheírō) is only used in 2 Tim 3:8. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and phtheiró Definition to destroy entirely NASB Translation depraved (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2704: καταφθείρωκαταφθείρω: perfect passive participle κατεφθαρμενος; 2 future passive καταφθαρήσομαι; (see κατά, III. 4); 1. to corrupt, deprave; κατεφθαρμένοι τόν νοῦν, corrupted in mind, 2 Timothy 3:8. 2. to destroy; passive to be destroyed, to perish: followed by ἐν with the dative indicating the state, 2 Peter 2:12 R G. (From Aeschylus down.) From kata and phtheiro; to spoil entirely, i.e. (literally) to destroy; or (figuratively) to deprave; --corrupt, utterly perish. see GREEK kata see GREEK phtheiro Englishman's Concordance 2 Timothy 3:8 V-RPM/P-NMPGRK: ἀληθείᾳ ἄνθρωποι κατεφθαρμένοι τὸν νοῦν NAS: men of depraved mind, KJV: men of corrupt minds, INT: truth men utterly corrupted in mind |