In the biblical context, the term "corruption" often refers to the physical decomposition that occurs after death. This concept is rooted in the understanding of the human body's return to dust, as described in the Scriptures. The process of physical decay is a consequence of the Fall, as sin introduced death and decay into the world.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 3:19 : "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it were you taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return." This verse highlights the inevitability of physical decomposition as a result of the curse pronounced upon humanity after the Fall.

2. Psalm 16:10 : "For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay." This messianic prophecy, later referenced in the New Testament, underscores the belief that while physical decay is the norm for humanity, the Holy One, identified as Jesus Christ, would not undergo corruption.

3. Acts 2:27 : "because You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay." Here, the Apostle Peter cites Psalm 16:10, affirming the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His victory over physical corruption.

4. Acts 13:36-37 : "For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and saw decay. But the One whom God raised from the dead did not see decay." This passage contrasts the physical decomposition experienced by King David with the incorruptibility of Christ, emphasizing the unique nature of Jesus' resurrection.

Theological Implications:

The concept of physical decomposition after death serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of human life and the consequences of sin. It underscores the need for redemption and the hope of resurrection. The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20), offering believers the promise of resurrection and eternal life, free from the corruption of the grave.

Resurrection and Incorruptibility:

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to Christian theology, as it demonstrates His power over death and decay. Believers hold the hope that, through Christ, they too will experience resurrection and be clothed with incorruptible bodies. As stated in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 : "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body."

Practical Considerations:

The understanding of physical decomposition after death has influenced Christian burial practices, emphasizing respect for the body as a creation of God. While acknowledging the reality of decay, Christians also look forward to the resurrection, when the perishable will be clothed with the imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:53).

In summary, the biblical concept of corruption as physical decomposition after death serves as a poignant reminder of the effects of sin and the hope of redemption through Jesus Christ. The promise of resurrection offers believers assurance of victory over death and decay, pointing to a future where corruption is no more.Genesis 3:19
In the sweat of your face shall you eat bread, till you return to the ground; for out of it were you taken: for dust you are, and to dust shall you return.
Nave's Topical Index

Job 17:14
I have said to corruption, You are my father: to the worm, You are my mother, and my sister.
Nave's Topical Index

Job 21:26
They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them.
Nave's Topical Index

Job 34:15
All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again to dust.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 16:10
For you will not leave my soul in hell; neither will you suffer your Holy One to see corruption.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 49:9
That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 104:29
You hide your face, they are troubled: you take away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.
Nave's Topical Index

Ecclesiastes 3:20
All go to one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
Nave's Topical Index

Ecclesiastes 12:7
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return to God who gave it.
Nave's Topical Index

Jonah 2:6
I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet have you brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 2:27,31
Because you will not leave my soul in hell, neither will you suffer your Holy One to see corruption.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 13:34-37
And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Corinthians 15:42,50
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
Nave's Topical Index

The Gods of Egypt
... in one and the same being to physical or moral ... advance made in the process of
decomposition robbed the soul ... the god had thus gained over corruption was, however ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... Baalim and Astarte, plant-gods and stone-gods-Religion, human sacrifices, festivals;
sacred stones"Tombs and the fate of man after death-Phoenician cosmogony ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... de Luynes thought he recognized a corruption of the ... We may summarise the physical
characteristics of Syria ... father, and finally sole monarch after the latter's ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

part i
... a bandage, which conceals from him the true state of things spiritual and physical. ...
Remember that after death the judgment of your whole life will follow.^l [39 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

What is our inheritance in Christ? | GotQuestions.org

What is a vice? | GotQuestions.org

Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ important? | GotQuestions.org

Corruption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus