Jump to: Topical • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature: Corruption, in a biblical context, refers to the moral decay and degradation that results from sin and disobedience to God's commandments. It encompasses both the internal corruption of the heart and the external manifestations of sinful behavior. The Bible frequently addresses corruption as a fundamental issue affecting individuals, societies, and even creation itself. Biblical References: 1. Human Nature and Sin: The Bible teaches that corruption entered the world through sin. 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 highlights the pervasive nature of corruption that affected humanity before the flood. 2. Moral and Spiritual Corruption: Corruption is often linked with moral and spiritual decay. In Romans 1:21-23, the Apostle Paul describes how humanity, although knowing God, "did not glorify Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles." This passage illustrates the spiritual corruption that results from idolatry and turning away from God. 3. Corruption in Leadership and Society: The Bible frequently warns against corruption in leadership. In Exodus 23:8, it is commanded, "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous." This highlights the corrupting influence of bribery and the importance of integrity in leadership. 4. Consequences of Corruption: Corruption leads to judgment and destruction. In Galatians 6:8, Paul warns, "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 principle underscores the inevitable consequences of living a corrupt life. 5. Redemption from Corruption: The Bible offers hope for redemption from corruption through Jesus Christ. In 2 Peter 1:4, believers are encouraged by the promise that "through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." This passage emphasizes the transformative power of God's promises and the possibility of escaping corruption through divine intervention. Theological Implications: Corruption is a manifestation of the fallen state of humanity and the world. It is a reminder of the need for divine grace and redemption. The Bible consistently calls believers to live lives of holiness and integrity, resisting the corrupting influences of the world. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians are empowered to overcome corruption and live in accordance with God's will, reflecting His righteousness and purity in a fallen world. Topical Bible Verses 2 Peter 1:4Whereby are given to us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Topicalbible.org Romans 8:21 Galatians 6:8 2 Peter 2:19 Acts 2:27 Psalm 16:10 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Loss of integrity, virtue, or moral principle; as, a corruption of morals; the state of being corrupted or debased; loss of purity or integrity; depravity; wickedness; impurity; bribery.2. (n.) The act of corrupting or making putrid, or state of being corrupt or putrid; decomposition or disorganization, in the process of putrefaction; putrefaction; deterioration. 3. (n.) The product of corruption; putrid matter. 4. (n.) The act of changing, or of being changed, for the worse; departure from what is pure, simple, or correct; as, a corruption of style; corruption in language. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CORRUPTIONko-rup'-shun: The Hebrew words mishchath, mashchath, mashchith, and their Greek equivalents, phthora, and diaphthora, with numerous derivatives and cognate verbs, imply primarily physical degeneration and decay (Job 17:14 Acts 2:27, etc.). The term shachath, which the King James Version translates with "corruption" in Jonah 2:6, ought to be rendered "pit,". as in Psalm 30:9; Psalm 35:7 et passim, while shachath beli in Isaiah 38:17 means the "pit of nothingness," i.e. of destruction. CORRUPTION, MOUNT OF (har ha-mashchith; to oros tou Mosoath): The hill on the right hand of which Solomon built high places for Ashtoreth, Chemosh and Milcom (2 Kings 23:13). The mountain referred to is no doubt the Mount of Olives. The high places would, therefore, be on the southern height called in later Christian writings the "Mount of Offence," and now, by the Arabs, Baten el-Hawa. Har ha-mashchith is probably only a perversion of har ha-mishchah, "Mount of Anointing," a later name of the Mount of Olives. MOUNT OF CORRUPTION See OLIVES, MOUNT OF. Greek 5356. phthora -- destruction, corruption ... destruction, corruption. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: phthora Phonetic Spelling: (fthor-ah') Short Definition: corruption, destruction, decay ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5356.htm - 7k 1312. diaphthora -- destruction, corruption 3582. xestes -- a sextarius (about a pint), a pitcher (of wood or ... 861. aphtharsia -- incorruptibility Strong's Hebrew 4893. mishchath -- corruption (ceremonial)... mishchath. 4893a . corruption (ceremonial). Transliteration: mishchath Phonetic Spelling: (mish-khawth') Short Definition: corruption. corruption, marred ... /hebrew/4893.htm - 5k 4893a. moshchath -- corruption (ceremonial) 4889. mashchith -- ruin, destruction 7844. shechath -- to corrupt 1097. beli -- a wearing out 7845. shachath -- a pit 210. Uphaz -- a region where gold is found Library The Causes of the Corruption of the Traditional Text What Corruption Affects and what it Is. General Corruption. Evil Alone is Corruption. Corruption is not Nature, but Contrary ... From the Corruption and Destruction of Inferior Things is the ... Concerning Corruption and Destruction. Of the Corruption of Nature and the Efficacy of Divine Grace The Corruption of Rational Spirits is on the one Hand Voluntary ... Of the Corruption of Angels, and the Two Kinds of Demons. Accidental Causes of Corruption. Thesaurus Corruption (37 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) Loss of integrity, virtue, or moral principle; as, a corruption of morals; the state of being corrupted or debased; loss of purity or integrity ... /c/corruption.htm - 21k Sin (782 Occurrences) Leaven (24 Occurrences) Incorruption (6 Occurrences) Incorruptibility (7 Occurrences) Decay (18 Occurrences) Corruptly (20 Occurrences) Olives (30 Occurrences) Corrupt (59 Occurrences) Judicial (2 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about corruption? | GotQuestions.orgIs it true that the bodies of some saints are incorruptible? | GotQuestions.org What is the human soul? | GotQuestions.org Corruption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Corruption (37 Occurrences)Acts 2:27 Acts 2:31 Acts 13:34 Acts 13:35 Acts 13:36 Acts 13:37 Romans 8:21 1 Corinthians 5:7 1 Corinthians 15:42 1 Corinthians 15:50 Galatians 6:8 1 Peter 4:4 2 Peter 1:4 2 Peter 2:12 2 Peter 2:19 2 Peter 2:20 Leviticus 20:12 Leviticus 22:25 Deuteronomy 32:5 2 Kings 23:13 Ezra 9:11 Job 9:31 Job 17:14 Job 33:18 Psalms 16:10 Psalms 30:9 Psalms 49:9 Psalms 55:23 Isaiah 1:4 Isaiah 38:17 Daniel 6:4 Daniel 10:8 Hosea 5:2 Hosea 7:1 Hosea 9:9 Jonah 2:6 Micah 2:10 Subtopics Corruption: Physical Decomposition Corruption: Physical Decomposition: After Death Simony: Ecclesiastical Corruption Related Terms Incorruptibility (7 Occurrences) |