φθαρτός
phthartós
G5349 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Describing something subject to decay, destruction, or dissolution; pertaining to that which is perishable, impermanent, or liable to corruption, especially in physical, material, or mortal contexts. The term is most often used of material, earthly things, especially bodies or created matter, to highlight their transitory or decaying nature in contrast to what is lasting or incorruptible. In figurative or moral senses, it may refer to anything lacking enduring or unchanging quality.
Semantic Range
perishable, destructible, subject to decay, mortal, transient, subject to dissolution, liable to destruction
Root / Etymology
From the verb φθείρω (phthéirō, 'to destroy, to corrupt, to spoil'). φθαρτός is the adjectival form, constructed with the suffix -τός indicating capability or susceptibility. Related cognates include φθορά ('destruction, decay, corruption').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, φθαρτός frequently referred to anything that is destructible or liable to perish, including physical bodies, food, or mortal beings, often contrasted with divine or eternal things (which are ἄφθαρτος, imperishable). In the Hellenistic period and the Septuagint, the term appears especially in contrast to spiritual or divine realities. In the New Testament, it is used to highlight the distinction between mortal, physical life and the enduring, imperishable nature of eschatological hope (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:53-54 contrasts φθαρτός with ἄφθαρτος). English translations like "corruptible" or "perishable" commonly appear, but may not capture the full sense of inevitable physical decay underpinning the Greek. The word does not primarily connote moral corruption but rather emphasizes susceptibility to death and physical dissolution.
Translation Consistency
'Perishable' is the most natural, common English rendering for φθαρτός, matching its primary sense of liable to decay, destruction, or corruption—especially of bodies and material things. It aligns with typical biblical contrasts (perishable vs. imperishable/immortal), covers the semantic range (mortal, transient, destructible) and is the frequent choice in the source renderings, so it provides a consistent, natural base word for all forms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from φθείρω; decayed, i.e. (by implication) perishable:--corruptible.
Root Family
φθαρτός (phthartos) — perishable, destructible, subject to decay, liable to destruction
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5349-03 |
φθαρτὸν | phtharton | ADJ.A ACC M SG |
perishable | perishable thing | perishable thing | 3 |
G5349-02 |
φθαρτοῖς | phthartois | ADJ.S DAT N PL |
perishable | to perishable things | with perishable things | 1 |
G5349-01 |
φθαρτῆς | phthartes | ADJ.A GEN F SG |
corruptible | of a perishable | of perishable | 1 |
G5349-04 |
φθαρτοῦ | phthartou | ADJ.A GEN M SG |
corruptible | of a perishable one | of a perishable one | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5349-04 |
Romans 1:23 | φθαρτοῦ | phthartou | ADJ.A GEN M SG |
corruptible | of a perishable one | of a perishable one |
G5349-03 |
1 Corinthians 9:25 | φθαρτὸν | phtharton | ADJ.A ACC M SG |
perishable | perishable thing | perishable thing |
G5349-03 |
1 Corinthians 15:53 | φθαρτὸν | phtharton | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
perishable | perishable thing | perishable thing |
G5349-03 |
1 Corinthians 15:54 | φθαρτὸν | phtharton | ADJ.S NOM N SG |
corruptible | perishable thing | perishable thing |
G5349-02 |
1 Peter 1:18 | φθαρτοῖς | phthartois | ADJ.S DAT N PL |
perishable | to perishable things | with perishable things |
G5349-01 |
1 Peter 1:23 | φθαρτῆς | phthartes | ADJ.A GEN F SG |
corruptible | of a perishable | of perishable |