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διαφθορά

diaphthorá

G1312 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

The process of decay, decomposition, or deterioration; can refer to physical decay, rotting, or perishing, as well as figurative deterioration such as moral or societal corruption. In various contexts, can describe the breakdown or ruin of something tangible (e.g., body, matter) or intangible (e.g., customs, character).

Semantic Range

decay, decomposition, corruption (physical or moral), ruination, perishing, destruction

Root / Etymology

From the verb διαφθείρω (diaphtheirō), meaning 'to destroy, ruin, corrupt,' itself a compound of διά (through, thoroughly) and φθείρω (to spoil, ruin, corrupt).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, διαφθορά most often refers to physical decay or destructive corruption (e.g., rotting of the body or food), but it can also—particularly in philosophical or moral discourse—be used figuratively for the degeneration or perversion of character, customs, or society. In the Septuagint, διαφθορά frequently translates Hebrew terms for destruction, ruin, or decay, sometimes with material, sometimes with moral connotation. In the New Testament, the term appears mainly in contexts contrasting that which is subject to decay (i.e., mortal, perishable, transient) with that which is imperishable. English translations often render διαφθορά as 'corruption,' 'decay,' or 'destruction,' though the underlying nuances may be lost, especially regarding the distinction between physical decay and moral/spiritual corruption. The term is distinct from ἀφθαρσία (incorruptibility, imperishability), which marks that which cannot undergo decay or dissolution. Its usage maintains continuity from earlier Greek but is shaped in Jewish and early Christian writings by concepts of mortality vs. immortality.

Translation Consistency

primary "corruption" 6 occurrences

"Corruption" is the most frequent rendering in the provided data and naturally covers both physical decay and moral/ societal deterioration. It is concise, idiomatic English and best matches the typical semantic range of diaphthora in biblical contexts.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from διαφθείρω; decay:--corruption.

Root Family

διαφθορά (diaphthora) — decay, corruption, ruin, destruction

Root διαφθορ- to destroy, to decay, to corrupt, to ruin

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1312-01 διαφθοράν diaphthoran N ACC F SG decay corruption corruption 6

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1312-01 Acts 2:27 διαφθοράν diaphthoran N ACC F SG corruption corruption corruption
G1312-01 Acts 2:31 διαφθοράν diaphthoran N ACC F SG decay corruption corruption
G1312-01 Acts 13:34 διαφθοράν diaphthoran N ACC F SG corruption corruption corruption
G1312-01 Acts 13:35 διαφθοράν diaphthoran N ACC F SG decay corruption corruption
G1312-01 Acts 13:36 διαφθοράν diaphthoran N ACC F SG decay corruption corruption
G1312-01 Acts 13:37 διαφθοράν diaphthoran N ACC F SG decay corruption corruption
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