Brief Overview of πτῶσις (Strong’s G4431: ptosis)

Strong’s G4431: A feminine noun meaning “falling” or “fall,” derived from πίπτω (to fall). Used both literally for physical collapse and metaphorically for spiritual or moral downfall. In the New Testament, appears in contexts emphasizing the consequences of choosing wrong foundations for life.

U- Unveiling the Word

πτῶσις represents more than just physical falling; it embodies the concept of complete collapse or ruin. In its New Testament usage, particularly in Jesus’s parable of the two foundations (Matthew 7:27), it describes catastrophic failure resulting from faulty foundations. The word also appears in Luke’s Gospel regarding Christ as a sign causing both falling and rising. Early church fathers frequently used this term when discussing spiritual failure and the consequences of rejecting Christ. Today, it continues to warn about the dangers of building life on false foundations while pointing to Christ as the only secure foundation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πτῶσις, ptosis, /pto-sis/
• Detailed pronunciation: p-TOH-sis (with initial ‘p’ pronounced)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Root: πίπτω (pipto) – “to fall”
• Suffix: -σις (-sis) – forms abstract nouns of action
• Indicates the act or process of falling
• Relates to both literal and metaphorical falling

D – Defining Meanings

• Fall, falling
• Collapse, ruin
• Downfall (moral or spiritual)

For compound words: Not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “Fall” – Most direct translation
• “Collapse” – Emphasizes catastrophic nature
• “Ruin” – Captures total destruction aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πτῶμα (ptoma) /pto-mah/ – “fallen body” – See G4430
• κατάπτωσις (kataptosis) /kat-ap-to-sis/ – “downfall” – Not in NT
• ἀπώλεια (apoleia) /ap-o-li-ah/ – “destruction” – See G684

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun of the third declension, πτῶσις exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative: ἡ πτῶσις (the fall)
• Genitive: τῆς πτώσεως (of the fall)
• Dative: τῇ πτώσει (to/in the fall)
• Accusative: τὴν πτῶσιν (the fall)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical usage. Thayer’s notes its connection to complete destruction. LSJ documents its use in various contexts of falling and failure. Vine’s connects it to spiritual ruin. Strong’s emphasizes its relation to πίπτω. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from structural collapse reports. LEH discusses its use in the Septuagint for moral downfall.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 7:27 “And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall [πτῶσις] of it.”

Additional References:
Luke 2:34

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πτῶσις powerfully illustrates the consequences of life’s foundational choices. Jesus uses this word to warn about building life on false foundations, while also being identified as the cause of both falling and rising for many. This proclaims the good news that while rejection of Christ leads to spiritual ruin, accepting Him as our foundation ensures eternal security.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word influenced architectural terminology about structural failure.
2. Early Christian writers used it to describe apostasy from faith.
3. The term appears in ancient building codes regarding collapse prevention.

Strong’s G4431: A feminine noun meaning “falling” or “fall,” derived from πίπτω (to fall). Used both literally for physical collapse and metaphorically for spiritual or moral downfall. In the New Testament, appears in contexts emphasizing the consequences of choosing wrong foundations for life.

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: falling, collapse, ruin, foundations, spiritual failure, moral downfall, destruction, judgment, consequences, building metaphors, spiritual foundations, life choices