Original Word: καταφθείρω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: kataphtheiró
Pronunciation: kat-af-thi'-ro
Phonetic Spelling: (kat-af-thi'-ro)
KJV: corrupt, utterly perish
NASB: depraved
Word Origin: [from G2596 (κατά - according) and G5351 (φθείρω - corrupted)]

1. to spoil entirely
2. (literally) to destroy
3. (figuratively) to deprave

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.)

Biblical Usage

The term occurs once in the New Testament, in 2 Timothy 3:8, where Paul describes false teachers who “oppose the truth” and are “men of depraved minds, disqualified from the faith” (Berean Standard Bible). Though singular in appearance, the word captures a pervasive biblical theme: the total moral and spiritual ruin that results when a person persistently resists God’s revelation.

Context in 2 Timothy

Paul warns Timothy that “in the last days perilous times will come” (2 Timothy 3:1). The catalog of sins that follows (verses 2-5) climaxes in the example of Jannes and Jambres—magicians who imitated but could not match the works of God in Moses’ day (Exodus 7:11-12). Their hardened opposition typifies teachers whose inner life is already decayed. The expression for “depraved” signals corruption so deep that it renders them “disqualified,” a term used of metals that fail an assay. The church is thus called to recognize not only doctrinal error but also the inward rot that so often lies behind it.

Historical Background

Jewish tradition names Jannes and Jambres as Pharaoh’s leading sorcerers. By evoking them, Paul places the false teachers of his era in the long line of those who mimic divine power while their hearts grow increasingly corrupt. Early Christian writers (e.g., Origen, Ambrose) cited them as warnings against counterfeit spirituality—outwardly impressive yet inwardly spoiled.

Theological Significance

1. Totality of Corruption: The verb stresses complete internal ruin, echoing Old Testament language about the earth being “corrupt before God” (Genesis 6:11-12 LXX).
2. Mind and Faith: Corruption targets the intellect (“mind”) and results in rejection “as far as the faith is concerned,” showing that doctrine and character are inseparable.
3. Divine Assessment: God alone ultimately declares someone “disqualified,” yet Scripture equips believers to discern signs of such corruption (Matthew 7:15-20; 1 John 4:1-6).
4. Eschatological Expectation: The presence of thoroughly corrupt teachers is a marker of “the last days” but also a prelude to their inevitable exposure (2 Timothy 3:9).

Contrasts and Antonyms

• Soundness of mind (2 Timothy 1:7)
• Renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2)
• A pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5)
• Tested and approved faith (James 1:3; 2 Corinthians 13:5)

Practical Ministry Applications

• Guarding Doctrine: Leaders must match teaching with a life that evidences transformation (1 Timothy 4:16).
• Discernment Training: Congregations need scriptural literacy to detect not only false ideas but the moral decay that often accompanies them (Acts 17:11).
• Church Discipline: Persistent corruption demands corrective action for the protection of the flock (Titus 3:10-11).
• Pastoral Encouragement: Even in an age of increasing deception, the promise stands: “The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19).

Relation to the Gospel

The Gospel announces both forgiveness and regeneration. Whereas the corrupt mind spirals toward deeper ruin, the new birth imparts “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). The cross exposes sin’s gravity; the resurrection guarantees the believer’s ultimate freedom from all corruption (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).

Warnings and Exhortations

Believers are repeatedly cautioned:
• “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
• “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception” (Colossians 2:8).
• “But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse” (2 Timothy 3:13).

Summary

Strong’s Greek 2704 portrays the dread condition of being thoroughly ruined in mind and therefore unfit regarding the faith. Its lone appearance packs a sober reminder: doctrinal opposition often springs from internal decay. The church’s answer is unwavering—cling to sound teaching, pursue holiness of heart, and trust the God who alone can exchange a corrupted mind for a renewed one.

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