διαφθείρω (diaphtheirō)
diaphtheirō
to destroy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diaphtheirō describes a process of thorough ruin or corruption that goes beyond simple destruction. It implies something being changed for the worse until it is ruined, whether that refers to physical objects eaten by moths, bodily strength worn away by age, or moral character twisted into depravity. In Luke 12:33, Jesus uses this word when warning against storing up treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, highlighting a decay that consumes value over time.
Its force appears clearly in Revelation 11:18, where the nations are said to have fallen into corruption, and in 2 Corinthians 4:16, where Paul speaks of his outer self being wasted away. The word carries a heavy theological weight when applied to human nature; for instance, it describes those whose minds are corrupted (1 Timothy 6:5). It is not merely about ending existence, but about the degradation of integrity and purpose.
Etymologically, the term combines a prefix meaning "through" or "thoroughly" with a root related to perishing. This structure reinforces the idea of complete consumption. Translators often render it as "destroy," though this can miss the nuance of moral decay present in passages like Revelation 11:18, where the earth itself is described as corrupted by human action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diaphtheirō points to a slow, thorough corruption that wears things down until they lose their purpose. Jesus used this term in Luke 12:33 when He warned against storing up earthly treasures where moth and rust destroy. This is not just physical breakage; it is the loss of value and integrity over time. It reminds us that what we hold onto tightly on earth is subject to decay, while our focus on heavenly things remains secure.
In 2 Corinthians 4:16, Paul applies this same concept to his own body. Though his outward person was decaying, he found strength in the daily renewal of his inner self. This contrast offers deep comfort. Physical decline is real, but it does not define our true worth or spiritual vitality. The corruption that affects our bodies cannot touch the spirit that is being made new every day.
When we see this word in Revelation 11:18, it describes a world corrupted by human anger and violence. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God’s order. Yet, the passage also points to God’s justice and the ultimate restoration of what was broken. We can trust that God sees the decay around us and will bring about true healing and judgment in His time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- were destroyed.1×
- to destroy1×
- is being brought to decay,1×
- destroying1×
- destroy;1×
- corrupted1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διεφθάρησαν.¶1×
- διεφθαρμένων1×
- διαφθεῖραι1×
- διαφθείροντας1×
- διαφθείρεται,1×
- διαφθείρει·1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 12:33
Sell what you have and give gifts to the needy. Make for yourselves purses which don’t grow old, a treasure in the heavens that doesn’t fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
Jesus uses this word to highlight how earthly treasures lose their value through natural decay, urging believers to invest in eternal security instead.
-
II Corinthians 4:16
Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward person is decaying, yet our inward person is renewed day by day.
Paul contrasts the wasting away of his physical body with the daily renewal of his inner spirit, showing that physical corruption does not diminish spiritual life.
-
Revelation of John 11:18
The nations were angry, and your wrath came, as did the time for the dead to be judged, and to give your bondservants the prophets, their reward, as well as to the saints and those who fear your name, to the small and the great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”
The word describes the final judgment against those who have corrupted the earth, emphasizing God's role in ending human-driven destruction and restoring justice.