σαπρός (sapros)
sapros
rotten
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective sapros describes something that is rotten, corrupt, or worthless. It applies to physical decay in trees and fruit, as seen when Jesus uses bad trees to illustrate moral character in Matthew 7:17-18 and Luke 6:43. The term also appears in the parable of the net, where caught fish are sorted, and the bad ones are thrown away (Matthew 13:48).
Beyond physical spoilage, the word carries a strong metaphorical weight for moral failure. In Ephesians 4:29, it describes corrupt or worthless speech that fails to build others up. The sources note that in later Greek usage, it became a synonym for shameful or bad conduct, emphasizing a state of being unfit for any good purpose.
This word highlights the contrast between what is healthy and whole versus what is broken down and useless. It serves as a vivid image for the consequences of moral decay, showing how corruption spreads from the heart to actions and words.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sapros paints a stark picture of decay, whether in rotting fruit or words that tear others down. In everyday life, we see how something once good can spoil if left unchecked. Jesus used this image to show that our inner character shapes what we produce. A healthy heart yields kindness; a broken one yields bitterness.
This truth invites us to examine the speech and actions flowing from our lives. Ephesians 4:29 warns against corrupt talk, urging words that build up instead of tear down. It is not about perfection, but about direction. When we notice decay in our attitudes, we can turn back to God for renewal.
May your words bear fruit that nourishes those around you. Let your life reflect the goodness that comes from a heart aligned with Christ, offering grace even when it is hard.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- bad4×
- bad;2×
- unwholesome1×
- the bad1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σαπρὸν4×
- σαπρόν·2×
- σαπρὸς1×
- σαπρὰ1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.
This verse uniquely applies the physical concept of rot to human speech, warning against words that decay relationships rather than build them up.
-
Matthew 7:17
Even so, every good tree produces good fruit, but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit.
Jesus uses this term to illustrate that moral character is revealed by consistent output, just as a tree's nature determines its fruit.
-
Luke 6:43
“For there is no good tree that produces rotten fruit, nor again a rotten tree that produces good fruit.
This occurrence emphasizes the impossibility of good results from a corrupted source, highlighting the direct link between inner state and outer action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word sapros mean?
How is sapros different from other words for bad?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 3 books)
Matthew 4 verses
Even so, every good tree produces good fruit, but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit.
Matthew 7:18A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit.
Matthew 12:33“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree corrupt and its fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by…
Matthew 13:48which, when it was filled, fishermen drew up on the beach. They sat down and gathered the good into containers, but the…