STRONGS NT 3639: ὄλεθροςὄλεθρος, ὄλεθρον (ὄλλυμι to destroy (perhaps (ὀλνυμι) allied to Latinvulnus)), from Homer down, rain, destruction, death: 1 Thessalonians 5:3; 1 Timothy 6:9; εἰς ὄλεθρον τῆς σαρκός, for the destruction of the flesh, said of the external ills and troubles by which the lusts of the flesh are subdued and destroyed, 1 Corinthians 5:5 (see παραδίδωμι, 2); equivalent to the loss of a life of blessedness after death, future misery, αἰώνιος (as 4 Macc. 10:15): 2 Thessalonians 1:9 (where L text ὀλέθριον, which see), cf. Wis. 1:12.

STRONGS NT 3639a: ὀλιγοπιστίαὀλιγοπιστία, ὀλιγοπιστιας, ἡ, littleness of faith, little faith: Matthew 17:20 L T Tr WH, for R G ἀπιστία. (Several times in ecclesiastical and Byzantine writings.)

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of destruction in the Old Testament is often conveyed by words such as שָׁמַד (shamad, Strong's H8045) and אָבַד (abad, Strong's H6), both of which carry similar connotations of ruin and annihilation. These Hebrew terms are used to describe both physical destruction and the consequences of divine judgment, paralleling the New Testament usage of ὄλεθρος.

Usage: The word ὄλεθρος is used in the New Testament to describe both physical and spiritual destruction. It often implies a divine judgment or consequence resulting in total ruin.

Context: The Greek term ὄλεθρος appears in several key New Testament passages, each highlighting the severity and finality of divine judgment. In 1 Corinthians 5:5, Paul instructs the church to deliver a sinful man to Satan for the "destruction of the flesh," so that his spirit may be saved. This usage underscores the concept of ὄλεθρος as a means to an end, where physical destruction serves a redemptive purpose.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:3, ὄλεθρος is used to describe the sudden destruction that will come upon those who are unprepared for the Day of the Lord: "While people are saying, 'Peace and security,' destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape." Here, ὄλεθρος emphasizes the unexpected and inescapable nature of divine judgment.

Another significant occurrence is found in 2 Thessalonians 1:9, where it describes the eternal destruction that awaits those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus: "They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might." This passage highlights the spiritual and eternal aspect of ὄλεθρος, indicating a permanent separation from God.

The term is also used in 1 Timothy 6:9, warning that those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, leading to "ruin and destruction." This usage illustrates the moral and ethical dimensions of ὄλεθρος, where the pursuit of wealth can lead to spiritual and moral decay.