Understanding ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi) Strong’s G622: The Powerful Word that Reveals God’s Heart for the Lost and His Promise of Redemption

Pronunciation Guide: ah-POL-lu-mee

Basic Definition

Strong’s G622: ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi) carries the primary meaning of utter destruction, ruin, or loss. It encompasses both physical destruction and spiritual perdition, often emphasizing the complete nature of the loss or ruin. In its middle voice, it conveys the state of being lost or perishing, while in its active voice it describes the act of destroying or causing ruin.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (Present Active/Middle/Passive Indicative)
• Compound word from ἀπό (from, away from) + ὄλλυμι (to destroy)
• Primarily used in narrative and teaching passages
• Common in both Classical and Koine Greek
• Appears in various literary genres including parables, prophecy, and epistles

ἀπόλλυμι Morphology:

• ἀπόλλυμι (present active indicative) – I destroy
• ἀπολλύω (present active subjunctive) – I might destroy
• ἀπόλλυται (present middle/passive indicative) – he/she/it perishes
• ἀπολέσω (future active indicative) – I will destroy
• ἀπώλετο (aorist middle indicative) – he/she/it perished
• ἀπολωλώς (perfect active participle) – having been lost

Origin & History

The word ἀπόλλυμι has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was frequently used to describe complete destruction or loss. In Homer’s Iliad (Book 1, line 11), it appears describing the destruction of warriors in battle. The Septuagint translators chose this word to render several Hebrew terms related to destruction and loss, particularly אָבַד (abad) and שָׁחַת (shachat).

The term gained particular theological significance in Hellenistic Jewish literature. Philo of Alexandria used it in his philosophical works to discuss the concept of spiritual destruction, while Josephus employed it extensively in his historical works to describe both physical destruction and the loss of life.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete destruction or ruin of something
• The state of being lost or wandering
• Death or perishing (both physical and spiritual)
• To render useless or to waste

ἀπόλλυμι Translation Options:

• “To destroy” – Best when describing active destruction or judgment
• “To perish” – Appropriate for middle voice uses describing natural consequences
• “To be lost” – Ideal for contexts involving spiritual lostness or wandering
• “To waste” or “to lose” – Suitable for contexts involving resources or opportunities
• “To ruin” – Effective for contexts involving gradual deterioration

Biblical Usage

The first appearance of ἀπόλλυμι in the New Testament occurs in Matthew 2:13, where Herod seeks “to destroy” the infant Messiah. This sets a dramatic tone for the word’s usage throughout Scripture, often appearing in contexts of spiritual warfare, divine judgment, and salvation.

The term appears frequently in the Gospels, particularly in contexts where Yeshua speaks about salvation and judgment. It features prominently in His parables about lost things (Luke 15) and in His teachings about eternal life and destruction.

• “Matthew 2:13 – “For Herod is about to seek the young Child to destroy [ἀπόλλυμι] Him.”
• “Luke 15:4 – “What man among you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses [ἀπόλλυμι] one of them…”
• “John 3:16 – “…that whoever believes in Him should not perish [ἀπόλλυμι] but have everlasting life.”
• “2 Peter 3:9 – “…not willing that any should perish [ἀπόλλυμι] but that all should come to repentance.”
• “1 Corinthians 1:18 – “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing [ἀπόλλυμι]…”

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish thought, the concept of being “lost” or “destroyed” carried profound spiritual implications beyond mere physical destruction. The Hebrew mind understood destruction not as annihilation but as a state of being cut off from one’s intended purpose and relationship with God. This understanding illuminates Yeshua’s parables about lost things in Luke 15, where ἀπόλλυμι is used to describe sheep, coins, and sons who are not destroyed but separated from their rightful place and purpose.

The word also carried significant weight in the context of ancient Middle Eastern shepherding culture. When a shepherd spoke of a “lost” sheep, it didn’t merely mean the sheep had wandered away – it meant the sheep was in danger of destruction by predators or environmental hazards, requiring urgent rescue.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀπόλλυμι in Scripture reveals both the gravity of human lostness and the magnificent scope of divine salvation. It appears in some of the most profound statements about God’s redemptive purpose, including John 3:16, where the possibility of perishing is contrasted with the gift of eternal life.

This word serves as a powerful reminder of the cosmic stakes in God’s redemptive plan. When used in the context of human souls, it doesn’t simply mean ceasing to exist but rather speaks to the tragedy of existing perpetually in a state of ruin and separation from God’s intended purpose.

The frequent appearance of ἀπόλλυμι in Yeshua’s teachings about salvation highlights the urgency of the gospel message and reveals God’s heart for the lost. It underscores that salvation is not merely about improving life but about rescuing from genuine peril.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀπόλλυμι should awaken in us both a sense of urgency for evangelism and a deeper appreciation for our own salvation. When we grasp that being “lost” means more than just being directionless – that it involves genuine peril and separation from God’s purpose – we begin to see evangelism not as a religious duty but as a rescue mission.

This word also offers hope to those feeling “lost” in their life circumstances. Just as the father eagerly awaited his lost son’s return, our Heavenly Father actively seeks to restore those who are separated from Him. No state of lostness is beyond His reach or His desire to redeem.

Related Words

• ἀπώλεια (apoleia) – destruction, waste, perdition (pronunciation: ap-O-lei-a) – Emphasizes the result of destruction See G684
• φθείρω (phtheiro) – to corrupt, destroy, spoil (pronunciation: FTHEI-ro) – Focuses on moral corruption See G5351
• καταφθείρω (kataphtheiro) – to destroy utterly (pronunciation: ka-ta-FTHEI-ro) – Intensified form of destruction See G2704
• ὄλεθρος (olethros) – ruin, destruction, death (pronunciation: O-le-thros) – Related to physical destruction See G3639

Did you Know?

• The name of the Greek god Apollo may be etymologically related to ἀπόλλυμι, possibly reflecting his dual nature as both a destroyer and healer in Greek mythology.
• In modern Greek, derivatives of ἀπόλλυμι are still used in everyday language, particularly in words relating to loss and waste, showing the enduring impact of this ancient term.
• The perfect tense form of ἀπόλλυμι (ἀπολωλώς) is used in the parable of the Prodigal Son to describe his condition, emphasizing both the completed action of being lost and its ongoing effects.

Remember This

ἀπόλλυμι reminds us that what is lost can be found, what is ruined can be restored, and those who are perishing can find eternal life through the redemptive work of Yeshua the Messiah.