Strong’s G4598: A compound adjective meaning “moth-eaten,” combining σής (moth) and βρωτός (eaten). In its sole New Testament appearance, it describes garments destroyed by moths, serving as a powerful metaphor for the transient nature of material wealth and the futility of hoarding earthly treasures.

U- Unveiling the Word

σητόβρωτος vividly describes the condition of expensive garments ruined by moths. Its appearance in James 5:2 forms part of a stern warning against hoarding wealth, illustrating how even the finest possessions are vulnerable to decay. Early church writers used this graphic image to warn against materialism and encourage generosity. Today, it continues to remind us that earthly treasures are temporary and that true wealth lies in kingdom investments.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σητόβρωτος, sētobrōtos, say-toh-BRO-tos
• Detailed pronunciation: stress on third syllable: ‘say’ as in say, ‘toh’ as in toe, ‘BRO’ as in brother, ‘tos’ as in toss
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• σητ- (sēt-): from σής (moth)
• -ο- (-o-): Connecting vowel
• βρωτος (brōtos): from βιβρώσκω (to eat)

D – Defining Meanings

• Moth-eaten
• Consumed by moths
• Destroyed by moths

For compound words:
The components work together:

• σητ- provides the agent (moth)
• -βρωτος indicates the action (eaten)

Translation Options:

• “Moth-eaten” – Direct compound translation
• “Moth-consumed” – Emphasizes completeness of destruction
• “Destroyed by moths” – More explanatory

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σής (sēs, SACE) – moth See G4597
• βρῶσις (brōsis, BRO-sis) – eating See G1035
• διάβρωτος (diabrōtos, dee-A-bro-tos) – eaten through See G1286

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: 2nd/1st

Examples:
Masculine: σητόβρωτος (nom), σητοβρώτου (gen)
Feminine: σητόβρωτη (nom), σητοβρώτης (gen)
Neuter: σητόβρωτον (nom/acc), σητοβρώτου (gen)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its vivid descriptive power. Thayer’s notes its compound nature. LSJ documents similar compounds in classical Greek. Vine’s connects it to Jesus’ teaching about treasures. Strong’s highlights its metaphorical significance. Moulton-Milligan provides examples from ancient property records.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

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

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σητόβρωτος powerfully illustrates the folly of hoarding wealth and the temporary nature of material possessions. James uses this vivid image to call believers to kingdom priorities, reminding us that Christ offers imperishable treasures that moths cannot destroy.

D – Did You Know?

1. The compound structure was rare in classical Greek but common in Koine.
2. Ancient textile merchants used this term in damage reports.
3. Early Christian preachers often used it to discuss proper use of wealth.

Strong’s G4598: A compound adjective meaning “moth-eaten,” combining σής (moth) and βρωτός (eaten). In its sole New Testament appearance, it describes garments destroyed by moths, serving as a powerful metaphor for the transient nature of material wealth and the futility of hoarding earthly treasures.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: moth-eaten, decay, wealth, materialism, James, stewardship, temporal things, destruction, garments, treasure in heaven, judgment, warning​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​