Eternal Glory: φθαρτός (Strong’s G5349: phthartos) Contrasts With Divine Immortality

Strong’s G5349: Derived from φθείρω (to corrupt or destroy), φθαρτός describes that which is perishable, corruptible, or subject to decay. In New Testament theology, it emphasizes the contrast between mortal human nature and God’s eternal, incorruptible nature, particularly in resurrection contexts.

U – Unveiling the Word

φθαρτός serves as a powerful theological term that highlights the fundamental distinction between created beings and their Creator. In its New Testament usage, it particularly emphasizes the temporary, decaying nature of earthly existence in contrast to the eternal, imperishable nature of God and His kingdom. The early church fathers frequently employed this term to discuss the transformation believers would undergo in resurrection, moving from φθαρτός to ἄφθαρτος (incorruptible). This contrast remains deeply relevant today as it helps believers understand both their current limitations and their future hope in the Messiah.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φθαρτός, phthartos, /ftharˈtos/
• Detailed pronunciation: f-thar-TOSS (with ‘th’ as in “thin”)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: φθείρω (phtheirō) – to corrupt, destroy
• -τος suffix: verbal adjective ending indicating possibility or liability
• Forms the opposite of ἄφθαρτος (with ἀ- privative prefix)

D – Defining Meanings

• Perishable, subject to decay
• Corruptible, liable to corruption
• Mortal, subject to death
• Temporary, not lasting

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a simple adjective with suffix

Translation Options:

• “Perishable” – Emphasizes the temporal nature and inevitable decay
• “Corruptible” – Highlights the susceptibility to deterioration
• “Mortal” – Focuses on the death-bound aspect of created beings

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἄφθαρτος (aphthartos) /ˈaf.thar.tos/ – The direct opposite, meaning incorruptible – See G862
• φθορά (phthora) /fthoˈra/ – The noun form meaning corruption or decay – See G5356
• φθείρω (phtheirō) /ˈfthei.ro/ – The verb meaning to corrupt or destroy – See G5351

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, φθαρτός exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: First/Second declension pattern

Examples of morphological changes:

• Masculine singular: φθαρτός, φθαρτοῦ, φθαρτῷ, φθαρτόν
• Neuter plural: φθαρτά, φθαρτῶν, φθαρτοῖς, φθαρτά

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes φθαρτός’s theological significance in contrasting human mortality with divine immortality. Thayer’s notes its particular use in discussions of resurrection and transformation. LSJ traces its development from classical literature where it described physical decay to its theological usage. Vine’s highlights its important role in expressing the temporary nature of earthly existence. Moulton and Milligan document its use in papyri referring to perishable goods, showing its practical application. The lexicons consistently note its crucial role in New Testament teaching about the transformation of believers from corruptible to incorruptible state.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

Romans 1:23 “and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of [φθαρτός] corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.”

Additional References:
1 Corinthians 9:25, 1 Corinthians 15:53, 1 Corinthians 15:54, 1 Peter 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

φθαρτός powerfully illuminates the transformative nature of the gospel. By highlighting the contrast between our current corruptible state and God’s incorruptible nature, it points to the magnificent promise of our future transformation through the Messiah. This word reminds us that while we currently dwell in perishable bodies, we are destined for glory through His resurrection power. The good news is that our corruptible nature is not our final state – through the Messiah, we will be changed from φθαρτός to ἄφθαρτος, from perishable to imperishable.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in ancient medical texts describing the decomposition of bodies, giving it vivid practical significance.
2. Early Christian martyrs used this term to contrast their temporary sufferings with eternal glory.
3. The concept influenced early Christian art, which often depicted the contrast between earthly corruption and heavenly incorruption.

Strong’s G5349: Derived from φθείρω (to corrupt or destroy), φθαρτός describes that which is perishable, corruptible, or subject to decay. In New Testament theology, it emphasizes the contrast between mortal human nature and God’s eternal, incorruptible nature, particularly in resurrection contexts.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: mortality, corruption, resurrection, transformation, eternity, perishable, immortality, eschatology, resurrection body, divine nature​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​