Lexical Summary diaphthora: Corruption, decay, destruction Original Word: διαφθορά Strong's Exhaustive Concordance corruption, decayFrom diaphtheiro; decay -- corruption. see GREEK diaphtheiro HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1312 diaphthorá – thorough corruption (decay). See 1311 (diaphtheirō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom diaphtheiró Definition destruction, corruption NASB Translation decay (6). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1312: διαφθοράδιαφθορά, διαφθορᾶς, ἡ (διαφθείρω), corruption, destruction; in the N. T. that destruction which is effected by the decay of the body after death: Acts 2:27, 31; Acts 13:34-37 (cf. Winers Grammar, § 65, 10), see εἰδῶ, I 5 and ὑποστρέφω, 2. (the Sept. for שָׁחַת; in Greek writings from Aeschylus down.) Topical Lexicon Concept and Background The word translated “decay” or “corruption” speaks of the physical disintegration of a body in the grave. In Scripture it becomes a theological contrast-term, setting the perishability of fallen humanity against the imperishability granted in resurrection life. Occurrences in Acts Acts 2:27; Acts 2:31; Acts 13:34-37 record every New Testament use, all within Peter’s Pentecost sermon and Paul’s synagogue address in Pisidian Antioch. Both apostles quote Psalm 16:10 to show that Jesus’ tomb did not experience the dissolution that marks ordinary human burial. Connection to Psalm 16:10 Psalm 16:10 reads, “For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see decay.” David spoke prophetically; though his own body did see decay (Acts 13:36), he anticipated a descendent whose flesh would remain untouched by it. The word therefore functions as a proof-text for bodily resurrection and messianic identity. Christological Emphasis 1. Bodily Preservation: “He whom God raised from the dead did not see decay” (Acts 13:37). The empty tomb is not merely spiritual triumph but material victory, vindicating the incarnation. Eschatological Implications The term frames two destinies: perishable humanity and imperishable redeemed humanity. Believers await a resurrection “imperishable” (1 Corinthians 15:42-53), the direct antithesis of the decay from which Christ was spared. Historical and Apologetic Value Peter appeals to the public availability of David’s tomb (Acts 2:29) versus the vacated tomb of Jesus. The contrast between known decay and verified absence of decay serves as historical evidence in apostolic preaching. Practical Ministry Applications • Hope in Bereavement: The promise that death cannot hold the believer ultimately (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) rests on the precedent of Christ’s deliverance from decay. Summary Strong’s Greek 1312 marks the boundary between mortal corruption and resurrection glory. In Acts it anchors apostolic witness, ties the Gospel to Old Testament prophecy, substantiates the historical resurrection, and supplies believers with a robust hope that their own bodies will be raised beyond the reach of decay. Forms and Transliterations διαφθορά διαφθοραίς διαφθοραν διαφθοράν διαφθοράς διαφθορών διαφλέξει διαφόρημα διαφορούντές diaphthoran diaphthoránLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 2:27 N-AFSGRK: σου ἰδεῖν διαφθοράν NAS: YOUR HOLY ONE TO UNDERGO DECAY. KJV: Holy One to see corruption. INT: of you to see decay Acts 2:31 N-AFS Acts 13:34 N-AFS Acts 13:35 N-AFS Acts 13:36 N-AFS Acts 13:37 N-AFS |
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