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ὄλεθρος

ólethros

G3639 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Destruction, ruin, or total loss; the state or act of being utterly destroyed or rendered useless. In extended contexts, may denote severe loss, calamity, or mortal punishment. In certain New Testament contexts, particularly in Paul, it often refers to catastrophic ruin, potentially both physical and existential.

Semantic Range

destruction, ruin, total loss, utter undoing, calamity, death, mortal harm, devastation, punishment by ruin

Root / Etymology

From the root ὀλεθρ- (related to ὄλλυμι/ὄλλυμαι, 'to destroy, perish'). The noun form is found in early Greek literature. No Semitic influence is evident; purely Greek in derivation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ὄλεθρος consistently denotes destruction or ruin, often in reference to the undoing or annihilation of persons, cities, or fortunes. By the Hellenistic period, it assumes a broader sense that can include not merely outward ruin but also existential calamity. In the Septuagint, ὄλεθρος frequently translates Hebrew terms for total destruction or devastation (e.g., שֶׁבֶר, חָרָבָה). In the New Testament, especially Pauline letters (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:3, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, 1 Timothy 6:9), it refers to catastrophic or final ruin, sometimes with connotations of divine judgment, but not necessarily a technical term for 'damnation.' English translations often use 'destruction'; however, the term's nuance can be broader, encompassing issues of overwhelming loss or undoing, without precise definition of the means or duration of such destruction.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a primary (to destroy; a prolonged form); ruin, i.e. death, punishment:--destruction.

Root Family

ὄλεθρος (olethros) — destruction, ruin, total loss, utter undoing

Root ὀλεθρ- to destroy, ruin

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3639-01 ὄλεθρον olethron N ACC M SG destruction utter ruin utter ruin 3
G3639-02 ὄλεθρος olethros N NOM M SG destruction utter ruin utter ruin 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3639-01 1 Corinthians 5:5 ὄλεθρον olethron N ACC M SG the destruction utter ruin utter ruin
G3639-02 1 Thessalonians 5:3 ὄλεθρος olethros N NOM M SG destruction utter ruin utter ruin
G3639-01 2 Thessalonians 1:9 ὄλεθρον olethron N ACC M SG destruction utter ruin utter ruin
G3639-01 1 Timothy 6:9 ὄλεθρον olethron N ACC M SG ruin utter ruin utter ruin
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