φθείρω

I corrupt, spoil, destroy

Definition

The verb φθείρω means to corrupt, spoil, destroy, or ruin. In a moral or spiritual sense, it describes the corruption of character or doctrine, as when Eve's mind was corrupted from simplicity toward Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3) or when bad company corrupts good morals (1 Corinthians 15:33). In a physical or judicial sense, it refers to destruction or ruin, such as God destroying those who destroy His temple (1 Corinthians 3:17) or the great city Babylon being destroyed (Revelation 19:2). It can also describe the progressive moral decay of the old self (Ephesians 4:22).

Biblical Usage

φθείρω is used 7 times in the New Testament, primarily in Paul's letters (5 times) and once each in Jude and Revelation. Paul uses it for both moral corruption (2 Corinthians 11:3, 1 Corinthians 15:33) and physical/spiritual destruction (1 Corinthians 3:17, 2 Corinthians 7:2). In Ephesians 4:22, it describes the ongoing corruption of the old self. Jude 1:10 uses it for those who corrupt themselves through ignorance, and Revelation 19:2 applies it to God's judicial destruction of Babylon.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek root φθι-/φθειρ-, meaning to perish or waste away. It is related to the noun φθορά (phthora, G5356) meaning corruption or destruction. The root conveys a sense of decay, ruin, or bringing something from a state of soundness to ruin, whether physically, morally, or spiritually.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it describes the pervasive effects of sin, both in corrupting human nature (Ephesians 4:22) and inviting God's judicial destruction (1 Corinthians 3:17, Revelation 19:2). It highlights the contrast between the corruption of the old creation and the incorruptibility of the new life in Christ. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of passages about moral vigilance (1 Corinthians 15:33), spiritual deception (2 Corinthians 11:3), and final judgment.

In the Greco-Roman world, the term was used for physical decay (like rotting food), moral decay in society, and the ruin of cities or structures. The biblical usage often intensifies this to include spiritual and eternal ruin, connecting earthly corruption to divine judgment.

ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi, G622) — emphasizes utter destruction or loss, often eternal. διαφθείρω (diaphtheirō, G1311) — an intensified form meaning to destroy utterly or corrupt completely. καταφθείρω (kataphtheirō) — to corrupt or destroy down to the foundations (rare in NT).

Word Details

Scripture References