φθαρτός
corruptible, perishable
Definition
φθαρτός describes something subject to decay, destruction, or mortality. It fundamentally means 'perishable' or 'corruptible,' referring to the transient nature of the physical, created order. In Romans 1:23, it contrasts immortal God with perishable idols. In 1 Corinthians 15:53-54 and 1 Peter 1:18, 23, it is set in direct opposition to the 'incorruptible' (ἄφθαρτος, G862), highlighting the transformation from mortal to immortal life through Christ.
Biblical Usage
The word is used exclusively in contexts contrasting the temporal with the eternal. Paul employs it in Romans 1:23 to critique idolatry, in 1 Corinthians 9:25 for a perishable athletic crown, and most theologically in 1 Corinthians 15:53-54 regarding the resurrection body. Peter uses it in 1 Peter 1:18 for silver/gold and in 1:23 for mortal seed, both contrasting with eternal, spiritual realities.
Etymology
Derived from the verb φθείρω (G5351), meaning 'to destroy, corrupt, or spoil.' The adjective φθαρτός is formed with the -τος suffix, indicating a passive quality: 'able to be corrupted' or 'subject to decay.' Its root conveys a sense of ruin or dissolution.
Semantic Range
This word is crucial for understanding the biblical contrast between the fallen, temporary creation and God's eternal kingdom. It underscores humanity's mortal condition and the necessity of redemption through the imperishable Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). The transformation from the corruptible to the incorruptible is central to the doctrine of resurrection and eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:53-54).
In Greco-Roman thought, the material world was often seen as inherently subject to decay. Paul's use of athletic imagery (1 Corinthians 9:25) would resonate with audiences familiar with the perishable laurel crowns awarded at games, making the contrast with an imperishable reward vivid.
φθείρω (phtheirō, G5351) — the root verb meaning 'to corrupt or destroy.' διαφθείρω (diaphtheirō, G1311) — 'to destroy utterly, to corrupt thoroughly.' σήπω (sēpō, G4595) — 'to cause to rot or decay,' often of organic matter.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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