ἀπώλεια (apōleia)
apōleia
destruction
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun apōleia denotes destruction or ruin, carrying a weight that goes beyond simple physical loss. While it can describe the waste of resources, as seen when critics complain about expensive perfume being spilled (Matthew 26:8), its primary biblical significance points toward spiritual perdition. It stands as the direct opposite of salvation, representing a state of eternal misery and final separation from God.
This term appears most frequently in Revelation and Second Peter, where it describes the ultimate fate of those who reject divine truth. In Philippians, Paul uses it to characterize the end of those whose mindset is purely earthly (Philippians 3:19). The word emphasizes a definitive and irreversible loss, marking the antithesis of the eternal life promised to believers.
Its root connects to the verb for destroying or losing, reinforcing the idea of something being utterly consumed. Translators often render it as "destruction" or "perdition," capturing the gravity of a destiny that is not merely physical death but a spiritual wasting away. The consistent usage in apocalyptic and pastoral letters highlights its role as a sobering warning about the consequences of persistent rebellion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apōleia points to a state of ruin that is far deeper than simple physical loss. While it can describe the waste of resources, as seen when critics complained about expensive perfume being spilled, its primary weight in Scripture concerns spiritual perdition. It stands as the direct opposite of salvation, representing a final separation from God and an irreversible loss.
This term serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent rebellion against divine truth. In passages like Philippians 3:19, Paul uses it to characterize the end of those whose mindset is purely earthly. Yet, for believers, this concept highlights the preciousness of the salvation we have received. It invites us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our hope rests firmly in Christ rather than in transient things.
Understanding this word helps us appreciate the gravity of eternal life. It is not merely a warning about punishment but a call to cherish the gift of redemption. By focusing on the hope offered through faith, we can navigate life with confidence, knowing that our destiny is secured by God’s grace rather than our own efforts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- destruction5×
- destruction,4×
- of destruction,3×
- waste2×
- destruction.2×
- punishment1×
- destructive1×
- destruction;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπώλειαν4×
- ἀπώλειαν,3×
- ἀπώλεια3×
- ἀπωλείας,3×
- ἀπωλείας2×
- ἀπώλειαν·1×
- ἀπώλειαν.¶1×
- ἀπώλειαν.1×
- ἀπώλεια,1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 7:13
“Enter in by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter in by it.
This verse contrasts the narrow path of life with the broad way that leads to destruction, illustrating the ultimate destination of those who do not follow Christ.
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Philippians 3:19
whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who think about earthly things.
Paul uses this term to describe the final outcome for those focused solely on earthly desires, marking a stark contrast to the believer's heavenly citizenship.
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II Peter 3:7
But the heavens that exist now and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
Here the word describes the future judgment where the current heavens and earth are reserved for fire, highlighting the seriousness of ungodly conduct.
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Hebrews 10:39
But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.
The author distinguishes between those who shrink back to destruction and those who have faith leading to the saving of the soul, emphasizing perseverance.