Strong's Lexicon sapros: Rotten, corrupt, bad, worthless Original Word: σαπρός Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb σήπω (sēpō), meaning "to rot" or "to decay." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "sapros," the concept of corruption or decay can be found in words like רָקָב (raqab), meaning "rot" or "decay," and שָׁחַת (shachat), meaning "to destroy" or "to corrupt." Usage: The Greek adjective "sapros" is used in the New Testament to describe something that is decayed, rotten, or corrupt. It often refers to physical objects like trees or fruit that are spoiled and unfit for use. Metaphorically, it is used to describe moral corruption or worthless speech and actions that are not beneficial or edifying. Cultural and Historical Background: In the ancient Mediterranean world, agriculture was a central part of daily life, and the imagery of good and bad fruit was a powerful metaphor. A tree producing "sapros" fruit would be seen as diseased or unproductive, symbolizing moral and spiritual decay. This imagery would resonate with an audience familiar with the importance of healthy crops for survival and prosperity. HELPS Word-studies 4550 saprós – properly, rotten (putrid), over-ripe; (figuratively) over-done (ripened); hence, corrupt. "4550 (saprós) is (akin to sēpō, 'to rot'), primarily, of vegetable and animal substances, expresses what is of poor quality, unfit for use, putrid" (Vine, Unger, White, NT, 49); sapros – "of poor or bad quality" (L & N, 1, 65.28). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sépó Definition rotten, worthless NASB Translation bad (7), unwholesome (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4550: σαπρόςσαπρός, σαπρά, σαπρόν (σήπω, 2 aorist passive σαπῆναι); 1. rotten, putrid ((Hipponax), Hippcr., Aristophanes, others). 2. corrupted by age and no lounger fit for use, worn out (Aristophanes, Dio Chr., others); hence, in general, of poor quality, bad, unfit for use, worthless (A. V. corrupt) (πᾶν, ὁ μή τήν ἰδίαν χρείαν πληροι, σαπρόν λέγομεν, Chrysostom hom. 4 on 1 Timothy): δένδρον, καρπός, opposed to καλός, Matthew 7:17; Matthew 12:33; Luke 6:43; fishes, Matthew 13:48 (here A. V. bad); tropically, λόγος, Ephesians 4:29 (cf. Harless at the passage); δόγμα, Epictetus 3, 22, 61. Cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 377f. From sepo; rotten, i.e. Worthless (literally or morally) -- bad, corrupt. Compare poneros. see GREEK sepo see GREEK poneros Englishman's Concordance Matthew 7:17 Adj-NNSGRK: τὸ δὲ σαπρὸν δένδρον καρποὺς NAS: good fruit, but the bad tree bears KJV: but a corrupt tree INT: and [the] bad tree fruits Matthew 7:18 Adj-NNS Matthew 12:33 Adj-ANS Matthew 12:33 Adj-AMS Matthew 13:48 Adj-ANP Luke 6:43 Adj-AMS Luke 6:43 Adj-NNS Ephesians 4:29 Adj-NMS Strong's Greek 4550 |
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