ἀπολλύω (apolluō)
apolluō
to destroy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 87 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apolluō carries a forceful sense of complete destruction or loss. In the New Testament, it appears in two distinct voices: active and middle. When used actively, it means to destroy something utterly, such as killing a person or ruining an object. Jesus uses this meaning when he warns that one should fear the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28). It also describes physical ruin, as when demons seek to throw a man into fire or water (Mark 9:22).
In its middle voice, the word shifts to mean "to perish" or "to be lost." This usage often carries a spiritual weight, describing those who are alienated from God. Jesus speaks of his mission to seek and save what was lost, referring to the house of Israel (Matthew 15:24). Paul contrasts "those who are perishing" with "those who are being saved," highlighting a final state of ruin rather than a temporary mistake (1 Corinthians 1:18). The term implies a completed process of destruction, leaving nothing behind.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apolluō carries a heavy weight, describing total ruin or loss. In the New Testament, it appears in two distinct ways. When used actively, it describes someone or something being destroyed completely. Jesus warns that God alone has the power to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna (Matthew 10:28). This reminds us that no human threat is ultimate. Our safety does not rest in our own strength but in the One who holds all power.
When used in the middle voice, the meaning shifts to 'perishing' or being lost. This is a spiritual state of separation from God. Yet, this same word highlights Jesus’ mission. He came to save what was lost (Matthew 18:11). The contrast is stark: those who cling to their lives find ruin, but those who lose them for His sake find true life (Matthew 16:25). This promise offers hope to anyone feeling spiritually adrift.
Understanding this word helps us see the seriousness of sin and the depth of God’s rescue. It is not a gentle suggestion but a clear call to trust in Christ. He does not leave us to perish but seeks us out with compassion. We can rest in the knowledge that our eternal destiny is secure in His hands, not in our own fragile efforts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 87 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will lose6×
- to destroy6×
- may perish5×
- having been lost3×
- you will perish.2×
- will perish;2×
- will perish.2×
- we are perishing!2×
- to perish2×
- they may destroy.2×
- shall lose2×
- perishing,2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπολέσει9×
- ἀπολέσῃ7×
- ἀπόληται5×
- ἀπολέσαι5×
- ἀπώλεσεν3×
- ἀπόληται.3×
- ἀπολέσωσιν.¶3×
- ἀπολέσας3×
- ἀπολωλός.¶3×
- ἀπολοῦνται·3×
- ἀπώλετο2×
- ἀπόλλυται2×
Key Verses
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John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
This verse contrasts perishing with eternal life, showing that belief in the Son prevents the final destruction described by apolluō.
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Matthew 10:28
Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
Jesus uses the active voice here to warn that only God has the ultimate power to destroy both soul and body, putting human threats in perspective.
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Matthew 15:24
But he answered, “I wasn’t sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
In this middle-voice usage, Jesus identifies His mission as seeking the 'lost' sheep of Israel, highlighting spiritual alienation rather than physical death.
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Matthew 18:14
Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
This occurrence emphasizes God’s will that not one of these little ones should perish, underscoring His desire for restoration rather than loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does apolluō mean in the Bible?
How is apolluō different from other words for destroy?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Does apolluō always mean physical death?
Every Occurrence (87 verses across 16 books)
Matthew 18 verses
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the…
Matthew 5:29If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 5:30If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 8:25The disciples came to him and woke him up, saying, “Save us, Lord! We are dying!”
Matthew 9:17Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the…
Matthew 10:6Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matthew 10:28Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy…
Matthew 10:39He who seeks his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 10:42Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I…
Matthew 12:14But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how they might destroy him.
Matthew 15:24But he answered, “I wasn’t sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
Matthew 16:25For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 18:11For the Son of Man came to save that which was lost.
Matthew 18:14Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Matthew 21:41They told him, “He will miserably destroy those miserable men, and will lease out the vineyard to other farmers who…
Matthew 22:7When the king heard that, he was angry, and sent his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.
Matthew 26:52Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword.
Matthew 27:20Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.