Brief Overview of ἀπώλεια (G684: apṓleia)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: apṓleia

Root Words:

• ἀπώλεια (apṓleia) is derived from the Greek verb ἀπόλλυμι (apóllymi), meaning “to destroy” or “to lose.”

Primary Meanings:

• Destruction
• Ruin
• Loss
• Perishing
• Waste

The term ἀπώλεια conveys the concept of complete loss or destruction, often referring to the ruin of a person or thing.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀπώλεια as “destruction” or “perishing,” with an emphasis on the complete loss or ruin of something. The term can refer to physical destruction, moral or spiritual ruin, or eternal damnation.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀπώλεια as “destruction” or “utter ruin.” It is used to denote a state of being lost or wasted, often with a focus on spiritual or moral decay.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary explains ἀπώλεια as “destruction” or “perdition,” highlighting its use in the context of ruin or eternal loss, particularly in theological discussions.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon provides a definition for ἀπώλεια as “ruin” or “loss,” noting its application in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

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Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀπώλεια as “destruction,” reflecting its use to describe the state of being lost or ruined.

Bible Verses:

• Matthew 7:13 (KJV): “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.”
• Here, ἀπώλεια is used to denote the broad path leading to spiritual ruin or destruction.
• Philippians 3:19 (KJV): “Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.”
• In this verse, ἀπώλεια refers to the ultimate fate of those who live in opposition to godly principles.
• 2 Peter 3:7 (KJV): “But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”
• Here, ἀπώλεια is used to describe the final judgment and the ultimate destruction of ungodly individuals.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature, ἀπώλεια is used in the following ways:

• Homer uses the term in epic poetry to describe the complete destruction of cities or warriors.
• Herodotus employs it to convey the ruin of empires or significant losses in historical contexts.
• Aristophanes uses ἀπώλεια in his plays to describe the metaphorical ruin of characters or ideas, often highlighting moral or societal decay.

4. Summary:

The Greek word ἀπώλεια (G684: apṓleia) primarily means “destruction,” “ruin,” or “loss,” and is used to denote both physical and metaphorical states of being lost or wasted. Lexicons like BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ consistently define the term with a focus on the concept of utter ruin or perishing, including spiritual or moral dimensions. Biblical usage often refers to eternal destruction or the consequences of living contrary to divine principles. In classic Greek literature, ἀπώλεια is applied to describe various forms of ruin, from physical destruction to moral decay.