φθορά (phthora)
phthora
corruption
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun phthora describes a state of ruin, decay, or destruction. In the New Testament, it refers to that which is perishable and subject to breakdown, whether in physical bodies or moral character. It appears eight times, with significant usage in Romans 8:21, 1 Corinthians 15:42, and multiple verses in 2 Peter.
Its meaning shifts slightly depending on context. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul contrasts the perishable body with the imperishable resurrection body, highlighting physical decay. In 2 Peter, the word takes on a moral dimension, describing ethical corruption and false teachers who bring destruction upon themselves. It stands in direct opposition to eternal life, as seen in Galatians 6:8.
The root verb phtheiro implies spoiling or rotting, suggesting an internal process of deterioration rather than sudden external damage. This etymology helps explain why the word fits both physical decay and moral decline. Translators often render it as "corruption," capturing the sense of something losing its original integrity over time.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word phthora describes a deep, internal rotting that affects both our physical bodies and our moral choices. It reminds us that everything created is temporary and subject to breakdown. This reality can feel heavy, but it also points to the hope of renewal. God’s promises offer an escape from this decay, inviting us into a life that reflects His own eternal nature.
In daily life, this word warns against following desires that lead to destruction. When we choose paths driven by selfishness, we reap consequences that wear us down. Yet, there is a better way. By focusing on the Spirit, we find strength that does not fade. This shift in focus brings freedom from the bondage that sin creates.
Ultimately, phthora highlights the contrast between what fades and what lasts forever. Our bodies will age, and our world will change, but God’s glory remains. We can trust in His power to restore what is broken. May you find peace in knowing that your hope is anchored in something that cannot decay.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- decay,2×
- decay2×
- of decay1×
- of corruption;1×
- destruction,1×
- destruction1×
- decay.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φθοράν,2×
- φθορᾷ,1×
- φθορᾷ1×
- φθορᾶς·1×
- φθορᾶς.1×
- φθορᾶς1×
- φθορὰν1×
- φθορὰ1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 8:21
that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
This verse applies the concept of decay to all creation, showing that redemption includes the physical world being freed from its current state of ruin.
-
I Corinthians 15:42
So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown perishable; it is raised imperishable.
Paul uses this term to contrast our current fragile bodies with the imperishable nature of the resurrected body, emphasizing the hope of eternal life.
-
II Peter 2:19
promising them liberty, while they themselves are bondservants of corruption; for a man is brought into bondage by whoever overcomes him.
Here the word describes a moral bondage where false teachers are enslaved by their own destructive habits, illustrating the spiritual cost of ignoring truth.