The term "corrupteth" is an archaic form of the verb "corrupt," which means to spoil, degrade, or pervert something from its original or intended state. In the context of the Bible, "corrupteth" often refers to moral, spiritual, or physical degradation. The concept of corruption is a significant theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the fallen nature of humanity and the consequences of sin.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Moral and Spiritual Corruption: The Bible frequently addresses the issue of moral and spiritual corruption among individuals and nations. In Genesis 6:12 , it is written, "God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways." This passage illustrates the widespread moral decay that led to the judgment of the Flood. The corruption here is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, as humanity had turned away from God's righteous standards.

2. Corruption of Doctrine: The New Testament warns against the corruption of sound doctrine. In 2 Corinthians 11:3 , Paul expresses concern for the Corinthian church, saying, "I am afraid that just as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ." Here, the potential for doctrinal corruption is likened to the deception in the Garden of Eden, emphasizing the need for vigilance in maintaining the purity of the Gospel.

3. Corruption of the Flesh: The Bible also speaks of the corruption of the flesh, which refers to the sinful nature inherent in humanity. In Galatians 6:8 , Paul writes, "The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." This passage contrasts the outcomes of living according to the flesh versus living by the Spirit, highlighting the corrupting influence of sin on human nature.

4. Corruption in Leadership: Corruption is not limited to individuals but can also be found in leadership and governance. In the Old Testament, the prophets often rebuked leaders for their corrupt practices. For example, in Micah 3:11 , it is stated, "Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, 'Is not the LORD among us? No disaster will come upon us.'" This verse underscores the hypocrisy and corruption among those who were supposed to lead the people in righteousness.

5. The Hope of Incorruption: Despite the pervasive nature of corruption, the Bible offers hope through the promise of incorruption. In 1 Corinthians 15:42 , Paul speaks of the resurrection, saying, "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable." This promise of incorruption is a central tenet of Christian eschatology, offering believers the assurance of a future free from the corruption of sin and death.

Theological Implications

The concept of corruption in the Bible serves as a reminder of the fallen state of the world and the need for redemption through Jesus Christ. It underscores the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, resisting the corrupting influences of sin, and holding fast to the truth of the Gospel. The hope of incorruption through the resurrection provides believers with the assurance of eternal life and the ultimate restoration of all things.

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. vi. 19, "Lay not up for ...
... destroy, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures
in heaven, where no thief approacheth, nor moth corrupteth: For where ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon x on the words.htm

The Rich Fool.
... Sell what ye have and give alms; provide yourselves a treasure in the heavens that
faileth not, where no thief approacheth, or moth corrupteth.". ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the new testament/the rich fool.htm

The Second Trumpet.
... v.25, "Behold I am against thee, O destroying (or corrupting) mountain, saith the
Lord, which destroyeth (or corrupteth) all the earth, and I will stretch out ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the second trumpet.htm

Matt. vi. 24
... for you to serve." For just as in the other place, He signified the mischief to
be twofold, in both laying up here, "where moth corrupteth," and in not laying ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxi matt vi 24.htm

The Equipment of the Servants
... have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the
heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the equipment of the servants.htm

That Our Peace is not to be Placed in Men
... How small soever anything be, if it be loved and regarded inordinately,
it holdeth us back from the highest good, and corrupteth.". ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xlii that our peace.htm

Now to Call Such Scripture Skill Divine Knowledge, is Just as ...
... by what high name you will, is no more a part of the gospel state, nor will have
a better end, than that which entereth into the mouth, and corrupteth in the ...
/.../address 95 0 0 now to call.htm

Of the Good which an Attack of Temptation Brings About.
... spirit of the hardness and roughness of the yoke itself or of Christ who lays it
upon us, in accordance with this passage: "The folly of man corrupteth his ways ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xxv of the good.htm

Whether it is Lawful to Kill Sinners?
... account of some sin, it is praiseworthy and advantageous that he be killed in order
to safeguard the common good, since "a little leaven corrupteth the whole ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful to 7.htm

Against Foolish Talking and Jesting.
... It is wit that wageth the war against reason, against virtue, against religion;
wit alone it is that perverteth so many, and so greatly corrupteth the world. ...
/.../against foolish talking and jesting.htm

Corrupteth (2 Occurrences)
...Corrupteth (2 Occurrences). ... (KJV WBS). Proverbs 11:9 With the mouth a hypocrite
corrupteth his friend, And by knowledge the righteous are drawn out. (YLT). ...
/c/corrupteth.htm - 7k

Corruptible (7 Occurrences)

/c/corruptible.htm - 8k

Wax (32 Occurrences)
... have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the
heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth...
/w/wax.htm - 18k

Faileth (26 Occurrences)
... have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the
heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth...
/f/faileth.htm - 13k

Provide (74 Occurrences)
... have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the
heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth...
/p/provide.htm - 28k

Bags (16 Occurrences)
... have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the
heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth...
/b/bags.htm - 11k

Corrupters (2 Occurrences)

/c/corrupters.htm - 7k

Approacheth (4 Occurrences)
... have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the
heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth...
/a/approacheth.htm - 7k

Alms (13 Occurrences)
... have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the
heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth...
/a/alms.htm - 22k

Drawn (131 Occurrences)
... him. (YLT). Proverbs 11:9 With the mouth a hypocrite corrupteth his friend,
And by knowledge the righteous are drawn out. (YLT). Proverbs ...
/d/drawn.htm - 37k

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