καταφθείρω
kataphtheírō
G2704 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To completely ruin, to bring to utter destruction, or to bring to a state of total moral corruption. Used of physical destruction, of bringing to utter ruin, but also of leading to complete moral decay or depravity in a figurative sense. In both literal and figurative contexts, emphasizes thoroughness or fullness of the action.
Semantic Range
to destroy completely, to ruin utterly, to bring to a state of total decay or spoilage (physical), to lead to complete moral corruption or depravity (figurative), to perish utterly
Root / Etymology
From the prepositional prefix κατά (intensifying, 'down,' 'completely') and φθείρω ('to corrupt, destroy'). Compound formation indicates intensification of the action of φθείρω.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, καταφθείρω most often refers to bringing something to a condition of total ruin or spoilage, either by physical means (as in destruction, consumption by fire or decay) or moral means (as in depraving character utterly). In the Septuagint, it is used to translate Hebrew terms conveying utter destruction or total depravity. In the New Testament, as in 2 Peter 2:12, it carries both senses: those who will be destroyed like irrational creatures, or utterly ruined. The meaning overlaps with φθείρω but is intensified by the prefix: καταφθείρω stresses the absolute completeness of the corruption/destruction. English translations such as 'corrupt utterly' or 'destroy entirely' only partially capture this nuance; 'to ruin/bring to complete moral decay or physical extinction' would be more precise. The figurative sense of total moral ruin or depravity is especially in view in contexts describing ethical or spiritual collapse.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and φθείρω; to spoil entirely, i.e. (literally) to destroy; or (figuratively) to deprave; --corrupt, utterly perish.
Root Family
καταφθείρω (kataphtheirō) — to destroy completely, to ruin utterly, to corrupt thoroughly
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2704-01 |
κατεφθαρμένοι | katephtharmenoi | V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
corrupt | having been utterly corrupted | having been utterly corrupted | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2704-01 |
2 Timothy 3:8 | κατεφθαρμένοι | katephtharmenoi | V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
corrupt | having been utterly corrupted | having been utterly corrupted |