διαφθορά
diaphthora
decay
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word διαφθορά (diaphthora) is translated as "decay." This term belongs to the semantic domain of "Death & Life," indicating that it is closely related to concepts of mortality, decline, and deterioration. Its definition implies a gradual or inevitable deterioration of something, which can apply to various aspects of life, such as physical health, moral character, or spiritual well-being. The word διαφθορά is used six times in the Bible, which suggests that it carries a certain level of importance in the text. Its limited occurrences might imply that it is used intentionally to emphasize significant themes or ideas, rather than being a frequently used descriptive term. The use of διαφθορά in various contexts likely underscores the seriousness or finality of the decay process being described. In general, the concept of διαφθορά is significant because it portrays a fundamental aspect of human experience: that everything is subject to decline and eventual collapse. This idea can apply to both physical and non-physical aspects of life, serving as a reminder of the transitory nature of human existence. The limited but intentional use of διαφθορά in the Bible may invite readers to reflect on their own mortality and the significance of the fleeting nature of life.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences across the text
because you will not leave my soul in Hades, neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay.
Acts 2:31he foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that his soul wasn’t left in Hades, and his flesh didn’t see decay.
Acts 13:34“Concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’
Acts 13:35Therefore he says also in another psalm, ‘You will not allow your Holy One to see decay.’
Acts 13:36For David, after he had in his own generation served the counsel of God, fell asleep, was laid with his fathers, and saw decay.
Acts 13:37But he whom God raised up saw no decay.