Original Word: καταφθείρω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: kataphtheiró
Pronunciation: kat-af-thi'-ro
Phonetic Spelling: (kat-af-thi'-ro)
Definition: To corrupt, to destroy, to ruin
Meaning: I destroy, corrupt.

corrupt, utterly destroy

From kata and phtheiro; to spoil entirely, i.e. (literally) to destroy; or (figuratively) to deprave; --corrupt, utterly perish.

see GREEK kata

see GREEK phtheiro

2704 kataphtheírō (from 2596 /katá, "down, according to," intensifying 5351 /phtheírō, "corrupt") – properly, corrupted all the way down (thoroughly degenerated); utterly corrupted; to despoil, bringing down to a lower (inferior) form (note the prefix, 2596 /katá). 2704 (kataphtheírō) is only used in 2 Tim 3:8.

Word Origin
from kata and phtheiró
Definition
to destroy entirely
NASB Translation
depraved (1).

STRONGS NT 2704: καταφθείρω

καταφθείρω: perfect passive participle κατεφθαρμενος; 2 future passive καταφθαρήσομαι; (see κατά, III. 4);

1. to corrupt, deprave; κατεφθαρμένοι τόν νοῦν, corrupted in mind, 2 Timothy 3:8.

2. to destroy; passive to be destroyed, to perish: followed by ἐν with the dative indicating the state, 2 Peter 2:12 R G. (From Aeschylus down.)

Word Origin: From the Greek preposition κατά (kata, meaning "down" or "against") and φθείρω (phtheirō, meaning "to destroy" or "to corrupt").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct one-to-one correspondence between Greek and Hebrew terms, the concept of καταφθείρω can be related to several Hebrew words that convey similar meanings of destruction or corruption. Some of these include:

- שָׁחַת (shachat) • to destroy, corrupt, ruin.
- חָבַל (chabal) • to act corruptly, to destroy.
- אָבַד (abad) • to perish, to destroy.

These Hebrew terms are often used in the Old Testament to describe the physical destruction of cities or nations, as well as the moral corruption of individuals or groups, paralleling the New Testament usage of καταφθείρω.

Usage: The verb καταφθείρω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of corrupting or destroying, often in a moral or spiritual sense. It can refer to the physical destruction of something or the moral degradation of individuals or groups.

Context: The Greek verb καταφθείρω appears in the New Testament with the primary sense of complete destruction or corruption. It is a compound word that intensifies the action of φθείρω, suggesting a thorough or comprehensive ruin. This term is used to convey both physical and moral destruction, often highlighting the severity and totality of the action.

In the New Testament, καταφθείρω is used in contexts that emphasize the moral and spiritual corruption of individuals or societies. For example, in 1 Corinthians 3:17, the Apostle Paul warns, "If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, and you are that temple." Here, καταφθείρω is translated as "destroy," underscoring the seriousness of defiling what is sacred.

The usage of καταφθείρω in the New Testament reflects a broader biblical theme of the consequences of sin and the ultimate judgment that comes from corrupting what is holy or righteous. It serves as a warning against actions that lead to spiritual decay and highlights the importance of maintaining purity and integrity in one's life.

καταφθαρήσεται καταφθαρήση καταφθαρήσονται καταφθείραι καταφθείρει καταφθείρη καταφθείρω καταφθοράν κατεφθαρμένη κατεφθαρμενοι κατεφθαρμένοι κατέφθειραν κατέφθειρε κατεφθείρετο katephtharmenoi katephtharménoiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts