Brief Overview of πορθέω (Strong’s G4199: portheō)

Strong’s G4199: A verb meaning “to destroy, ravage, or lay waste,” used in the New Testament specifically to describe Paul’s pre-conversion persecution of the early church. Emphasizes systematic and violent opposition, highlighting the dramatic nature of Paul’s transformation through Christ.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πορθέω describes intentional, systematic destruction, particularly of communities or institutions. In the New Testament, it appears exclusively in reference to Paul’s persecution of the church before his conversion, emphasizing the severity of his actions and the magnitude of his transformation. Early church writers used this term to contrast Paul’s former life with his later apostolic ministry. Today, it powerfully illustrates how Christ can transform even the most aggressive opponents into faithful servants.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πορθέω, portheō, por-THEH-oh
• Detailed pronunciation: pohr-THEH-oh (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: πέρθω (perthō) – to destroy
• Related to Sanskrit pṛthak (separate)
• No prefixes or suffixes; basic verb form

D – Defining Meanings

• To destroy systematically
• To ravage or devastate
• To lay waste to

Translation Options:

• “Persecute violently” – emphasizes systematic opposition
• “Devastate” – captures total destruction
• “Lay waste” – emphasizes comprehensive damage

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διώκω (diōkō, dee-OH-ko) – to pursue, persecute – See G1377
• καταστρέφω (katastrephō, kat-as-TREH-fo) – to overthrow – See G2690
• λυμαίνομαι (lumainomai, loo-MAI-no-mai) – to ravage – See G3075

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: All persons
• Number: Singular, Plural

Example conjugations:

• Present Active: πορθέω (I destroy)
• Imperfect: ἐπόρθουν (I was destroying)
• Aorist: ἐπόρθησα (I destroyed)

Cross-references:

• Related noun: πόρθησις (destruction)
• Related adjective: πορθητικός (destructive)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its violent nature. Thayer’s notes its use in describing systematic destruction. LSJ documents military usage. Vine’s highlights its exclusive application to Paul’s persecution. Strong’s connects it to complete devastation. LEH notes Septuagint usage for city destruction. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from siege accounts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 9:21: “But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that [πορθέω] destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem?”

Additional References:
Galatians 1:13
Galatians 1:23

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πορθέω powerfully illustrates the transformative power of Christ’s grace. Used only to describe Paul’s violent persecution of the church, it shows that no one is beyond redemption. The same hands that once destroyed the church became instruments of building it up, proclaiming that Christ’s power to transform lives knows no limits.

D – Did You Know?

1. Classical Greek used this word primarily for describing city sieges.
2. Paul uses this term in his letters to emphasize the depth of his transformation.
3. Early church martyrdom accounts adopted this word to describe systematic persecution.

Strong’s G4199: A verb meaning “to destroy, ravage, or lay waste,” used in the New Testament specifically to describe Paul’s pre-conversion persecution of the early church. Emphasizes systematic and violent opposition, highlighting the dramatic nature of Paul’s transformation through Christ.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: persecution, destruction, Paul’s conversion, transformation, church history, Acts, Galatians, opposition, redemption, grace​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​