Annihilationists sometimes turn to this verse to support their idea of eternal nonexistence in the final judgment. Some believe that the word “destroy” means a person’s ultimate annihilation. Of course, they don’t just read one verse and then make an assertion based on it. They have their reasons for what they believe in it, though I don’t agree with their conclusions.

“If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are,” (1 Corinthians 3:17).

Nevertheless, if we look at the context we find something interesting.

“If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 16 Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are. 18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise,” (1 Corinthians 3:14–18).

Paul seems to be addressing believers because he says, “you are a temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you,” (v. 16).  He then says in verse 17 if anyone destroys the temple of God God will destroy him and that these people are holy. So it seems to be talking about believers. It wouldn’t make any sense to say that this verse is talking about believers being annihilated.

Nevertheless, the kind of destruction mentioned is not clarified in this verse. The word for “destroy” in 1 Cor. 3:17 is φθείρω, phtheiro.  It occurs nine times in the New Testament.  See Word study on phtheiro, corrupt.

The summary of the usages is as follows.

1. Corruption, 4 occurrences
   1. 1 Cor. 15:33, bad company corrupts good morals
   2. 2 Cor. 7:2, we corrupted and took advantage of no one
   3. Eph. 4:22, the old self is being corrupted
   4. Rev. 19:2, the harlot who was corrupting the earth
2. Led astray, 1 occurrence
   1. 2 Cor. 11:3, don’t let your minds be led astray
3. Physical and/or spiritual death, 3 occurrences
   1. 1 Cor. 3:17, if a man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him
   2. 2 Pet. 2:12, evil people will in the destruction of those wicked, will also be destroyed
   3. Jude 10, people are destroyed like unreasoning animals

Conclusion

The word “destroy” in 1 Cor. 3:17 does not necessitate the concept of annihilation in a future judgment. The Greek word for ‘destroy’ there is φθείρω, phtheiro. It occurs nine times in the New Testament and means to be corrupted, led astray. Furthermore, since the context appeared to be speaking of believers, it would not make sense to say that it is the believers who are annihilated. So, this verse is not a good verse for conditionalists to use in support of their annihilationist assumptions.