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φθορά

phthorá

G5356 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

The condition or process of decay, deterioration, or destruction. In various contexts, refers to physical decomposition, moral or spiritual decline, or a state of ruin. In extended use, it denotes the corruptible or perishable nature of the physical world (as opposed to the imperishable or incorruptible).

Semantic Range

physical decay, decomposition, corruption, destruction, perishing, moral depravity, spiritual ruin, loss of integrity, perishable nature

Root / Etymology

From the verb φθείρω (to ruin, corrupt, destroy, spoil). φθορά is the nominal form, denoting the result or condition brought about by a process of ruining or corrupting.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, φθορά signified destruction, especially physical decay, death, or ruin, often of objects, bodies, or cities. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, including the Septuagint and New Testament, it expands to include metaphorical senses, particularly moral or spiritual ruin, depravity, or loss of integrity. In the New Testament (e.g. Romans 8:21, Galatians 6:8), φθορά is often contrasted with eternal or spiritual life, describing the transience and imperfection of created things as subject to decay and passing away, whereas the incorruptible belongs to the divine. Septuagint usage mirrors the Greek but sometimes renders Hebrew words for destruction or corruption more generally. Standard English translations frequently render φθορά as 'corruption' or 'decay,' but in some contexts 'ruin,' 'perishing,' or 'destruction' may more accurately convey the nuance. The word never has a purely neutral sense; it always implies a negative alteration, whether physical, moral, or existential.

Translation Consistency

primary "corruption" 9 occurrences

Covers both physical decay and moral/spiritual decay and matches common English and traditional biblical usage (e.g., corruptible/incorruptible). It naturally conveys the idea of deterioration, destruction, and perishing across the semantic range of φθορά.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from φθείρω; decay, i.e. ruin (spontaneous or inflicted, literally or figuratively):--corruption, destroy, perish.

Root Family

φθορά (phthora) — decay, corruption, destruction, ruin, perishing

Root φθορ- to ruin, to corrupt, to destroy

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5356-03 φθορᾶς phthoras N GEN F SG corruption of decay of corruption 3
G5356-01 φθορᾷ phthora N DAT F SG corruption to decay to corruption 3
G5356-02 φθοράν phthoran N ACC F SG corruption decay corruption 3

Occurrences in Scripture

9 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5356-03 Romans 8:21 φθορᾶς phthoras N GEN F SG of corruption of decay of corruption
G5356-01 1 Corinthians 15:42 φθορᾷ phthora N DAT F SG corruption to decay to corruption
G5356-01 1 Corinthians 15:50 φθορὰ phthora N NOM F SG corruption to decay to corruption
G5356-02 Galatians 6:8 φθοράν phthoran N ACC F SG corruption decay corruption
G5356-02 Colossians 2:22 φθορὰν phthoran N ACC F SG perish decay corruption
G5356-03 2 Peter 1:4 φθορᾶς phthoras N GEN F SG corruption of decay of corruption
G5356-02 2 Peter 2:12 φθοράν phthoran N ACC F SG destruction decay corruption
G5356-01 2 Peter 2:12 φθορᾷ phthora N DAT F SG corruption to decay corruption
G5356-03 2 Peter 2:19 φθορᾶς phthoras N GEN F SG corruption of decay of corruption
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