Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H3001 יָבֵשׁ (yabesh): To be dry, dried up, or withered. This Hebrew term shares a similar connotation with μαραίνω, often used to describe the drying up or withering of plants, symbolizing decline or desolation.
• H5034 נָבֵל (nabel): To fade, wither, or fall away. This term is used metaphorically in the Hebrew Scriptures to describe the fading of glory or the decline of strength, paralleling the Greek concept of μαραίνω.

Usage: The verb μαραίνω is used in the New Testament to describe the process of withering or fading, often in a metaphorical sense to illustrate spiritual or moral decline.

Context: The Greek verb μαραίνω appears in the New Testament to depict the concept of fading or withering, often used metaphorically to describe spiritual or moral deterioration. This term is employed to illustrate the transient nature of earthly life and the inevitable decline of worldly pursuits when not rooted in divine truth. In the Berean Standard Bible, the usage of μαραίνω can be seen in contexts that emphasize the contrast between the temporal and the eternal, urging believers to focus on the imperishable and enduring aspects of faith.

For example, in 1 Peter 1:24, the term is used to highlight the fleeting nature of human glory: "For, 'All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers, and the flowers fall.'" This passage underscores the ephemeral quality of human achievements and the enduring nature of God's word, encouraging believers to anchor their lives in the eternal promises of God rather than the transient allure of the world.

The use of μαραίνω serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of spiritual vigilance and the need to cultivate a faith that withstands the trials and tribulations of life. It calls believers to a deeper understanding of the impermanence of earthly matters and the significance of investing in the eternal kingdom of God.