Strong’s G4595: A verb meaning “to cause to rot, to make putrid, to corrupt.” In its New Testament usage, it appears in perfect tense describing the state of wealth corrupted by misuse, serving as a powerful metaphor for the temporary nature of earthly riches and the futility of hoarding.

U- Unveiling the Word

σήπω graphically depicts the process of decay and corruption, particularly of material possessions. Its sole New Testament appearance in James 5:2 uses the perfect tense to describe wealth that has rotted, emphasizing the futility of hoarding earthly treasures. Early church writers used this term to warn against materialism and encourage generous stewardship. Today, it powerfully reminds us that all earthly possessions are temporary and that true wealth lies in heavenly investments.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σήπω, sēpō, SAY-po
• Detailed pronunciation: stress on first syllable: ‘SAY’ as in say, ‘po’ as in post
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Primary verb σήπω
• Related to Sanskrit क्षि (kṣi) meaning “to decay”
• Ancient root indicating decomposition

D – Defining Meanings

• To make rotten
• To cause decay
• To corrupt through decomposition

For compound words:
Not applicable as σήπω is a primary verb

Translation Options:

• “To rot” – Emphasizes natural decay process
• “To corrupt” – Broader meaning including moral decay
• “To putrefy” – Technical term for biological decomposition

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διαφθείρω (diaphtheirō, dee-af-THAY-ro) – to destroy utterly See G1311
• φθείρω (phtheirō, FTHAY-ro) – to corrupt, destroy See G5351
• καταφθείρω (kataphtheirō, ka-ta-FTHAY-ro) – to corrupt entirely See G2704

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Perfect (in NT usage)
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Aspect: Completed action with continuing results

Examples:
Perfect: σέσηπεν (has rotted)
Present: σήπω (I rot)
Future: σήψω (I will rot)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σήπω’s physical meaning of decay. Thayer’s notes its metaphorical extension to moral corruption. LSJ documents its use in medical texts. Vine’s highlights its perfect tense usage in James. Strong’s connects it to natural decomposition. Moulton-Milligan provides examples from agricultural papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.” James 5:2

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σήπω powerfully illustrates the temporary nature of earthly wealth and possessions. James uses this word to remind us that material riches inevitably decay, pointing us to Christ who offers imperishable treasures. This sobering image encourages us to invest in eternal values and use our resources for God’s kingdom.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word influenced scientific terminology about decomposition.
2. Ancient medical writers used σήπω extensively in describing disease processes.
3. Early Christian ascetics often cited this term in teachings about detachment from wealth.

Strong’s G4595: A verb meaning “to cause to rot, to make putrid, to corrupt.” In its New Testament usage, it appears in perfect tense describing the state of wealth corrupted by misuse, serving as a powerful metaphor for the temporary nature of earthly riches and the futility of hoarding.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: decay, corruption, wealth, materialism, James, stewardship, temporal things, rot, decomposition, earthly possessions, warning, judgment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​