σαπρός

rotten, useless, corrupt

Definition

The adjective σαπρός primarily means 'rotten' or 'decayed,' describing something that is spoiled and no longer useful, like bad fruit (Matthew 7:17-18, Luke 6:43) or worthless fish (Matthew 13:48). Figuratively, it extends to moral and spiritual corruption, describing speech that is 'unwholesome' or 'corrupt' (Ephesians 4:29) and, by implication, a corrupt heart that produces evil (Matthew 12:33). Thus, it conveys both physical decay and ethical depravity.

Biblical Usage

Used 6 times in the New Testament, always by Jesus except in Ephesians. In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Luke), it appears in agricultural metaphors about trees and fruit to illustrate the connection between inner character and outward actions (Matthew 7:17-18, 12:33; Luke 6:43) and in the parable of the net to describe worthless fish (Matthew 13:48). In Ephesians 4:29, Paul applies it ethically to forbid 'corrupt' or 'unwholesome' talk, shifting from metaphor to direct moral instruction.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb σήπω (sēpō), meaning 'to rot' or 'to decay.' It is a primary adjective describing a state of spoilage or corruption. Cognates in English include 'septic.' Its meaning naturally extended from physical decay to moral and spiritual uselessness.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it contrasts the natural, fallen state of humanity with the good fruit produced by a life transformed by God. Jesus uses it to teach that a corrupt heart (Matthew 12:33) inevitably produces corrupt actions, emphasizing the need for inner renewal. Paul's use in Ephesians 4:29 connects corrupt speech to grieving the Holy Spirit, highlighting how our words reflect and affect our spiritual condition. Understanding σαπρός enriches reading by clarifying the biblical link between internal corruption and its destructive outward effects.

In an agrarian society, the imagery of rotten fruit or bad fish was immediately understood as worthless, economically damaging, and potentially harmful. This made Jesus' metaphors powerfully concrete. The sorting of fish in Matthew 13:48 reflects the common practice of discarding unclean or inedible catch. The cultural understanding of something as 'σαπρός' meant it was utterly without value and to be rejected.

πονηρός (ponēros, G4190) — broader term for 'evil' or 'wicked,' often focusing on active malice, whereas σαπρός emphasizes a state of decay or worthlessness. φαῦλος (phaulos, G5337) — means 'worthless,' 'bad,' or 'base,' often in a moral sense, closely overlapping with the ethical sense of σαπρός but without the core imagery of rot.

Word Details

Scripture References