ὄλεθρος (olethros)
olethros
destructive
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun olethros refers to ruin or destruction, carrying the heavy weight of finality. Derived from the verb ollumi, which means to destroy completely, this word describes a state of perishing rather than mere damage. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, often linked with eternal consequences as seen in 2 Thessalonians 1:9.
Its usage varies by context but always points to loss. Paul uses it to describe the peril facing those who pursue wealth in 1 Timothy 6:9, framing it as a trap leading to ruin. In another striking instance in 1 Corinthians 5:5, he speaks of handing someone over "for the destruction of the flesh," implying a severe disciplinary measure intended to save the spirit.
This word underscores the seriousness of spiritual decay. It is not used for minor setbacks but for catastrophic failure. The sources highlight its connection to death and doom, making it one of the stronger terms for negative outcomes in biblical Greek.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word olethros describes a state of ruin that goes beyond simple damage; it points to complete perishing. In the New Testament, this term carries a heavy weight, often linked with finality and eternal consequences. It is not used for minor setbacks or temporary failures but for catastrophic loss that affects one’s ultimate standing before God.
Paul uses this strong language in 1 Timothy 6:9 to warn against the pursuit of wealth, describing it as a snare that drowns people in olethros. This serves as a sobering reminder that our deepest desires can lead us away from life if we are not careful. The word underscores the seriousness of spiritual decay and the real peril of turning away from God’s wisdom.
Yet, even in these stark warnings, there is hope for those who remain faithful. In 1 Corinthians 5:5, Paul speaks of a disciplinary measure intended to save the spirit despite the destruction of the flesh. This shows that God’s judgment is never without purpose; it aims at restoration and ultimate salvation for those who belong to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- destruction2×
- ruin1×
- of destruction1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὄλεθρον3×
- ὄλεθρος1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 6:9
But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.
This verse uses olethros to describe the ruin that results from a determined pursuit of wealth, framing it as a snare that drowns men.
-
II Thessalonians 1:9
who will pay the penalty: eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might,
Here the word describes eternal destruction from the Lord’s presence, highlighting the finality and severity of judgment for those who reject God.
-
I Corinthians 5:5
you are to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Paul employs olethros in a disciplinary context, where the destruction of the flesh is intended to preserve the spirit for salvation.