Summary of Greek words related to destruction, punishment

by Matt Slick | Oct 13, 2018 | Annihilationism, Minor Groups & Issues

Annihilationists (conditionalists) maintain that people who have not trusted in Christ as Savior will ultimately be annihilated. therefore it is necessary to look at the various Greek words in the New Testament there translated into English for destruction, perishing, torment, etc. The goal is to find out the patterns that God uses, not the implied interpretations forced upon texts

Aphanizo – ἀφανίζω, to remove out of sight, disappear, vanish away
1. The Greek word aphanizo occurs five times in the New Testament. It can mean to remove out of sight, disappear, and vanish away. It is used in reference to a person’s appearance (Matt. 6:16) and where treasures are destroyed (Matt. 6:19-20). It is also used in regard to the lives of people in Acts 13:41 and James 4:14, but in these two verses, the context does not tell us if the “perishing” and “vanishing” are annihilation or human death with the continuation of existence afterward. The context of each doesn’t necessitate either option. Therefore, this word cannot be used to prove that annihilationism is true.
  1. Neglect, Matt. 6:16
  2. To not exist, Matt. 6:19-20; James 4:14
    1. earthly treasures, Matt. 6:19-20
    2. vapor, James 4:14
  3. Disappear, die, perish, Acts 13:41
Apoleia – ἀπώλεια, destruction, to destroy or to cause the destruction of persons, objects, or institutions
1. The Greek word apoleia is used in the New Testament to designate destruction of persons, objects, and institutions. When it comes to persons such as Judas Iscariot (John 17:12) and the Antichrist (2 Thess. 2:3), the meaning of destruction is open. In other words, the contexts do not necessitate nonexistence or continued existence. The word is used of spiritual death (Matt. 7:13; Rom. 9:22; Heb. 10:39; Rev. 17:8, 11). But again, exactly what the nature of this spiritual death is, whether it be existence or nonexistence, is not stated. Since the topic under discussion is whether or not people are annihilated or continue to exist for eternity, the annihilationists should not commit the fallacy of begging the question and assume that the spiritual death of people and their destruction automatically means nonexistence. On the other hand, we must be consistent and say such spiritual death and destruction does not necessitate continued existence. Context determines the meaning and we must look at the whole of Scripture to see how God uses it in varying contexts. So, apoleia cannot be used to prove annihilationism.
  1. Judas Iscariot, John 17:12
  2. Antichrist, 2 Thess. 2:3
  3. Doctrines that damn (destroy), 2 Pet. 2:1
  4. Physical and/or Spiritual death, Acts 8:20; Phil. 1:28; 3:19; 1 Tim. 6:9; 2 Pet. 2:3; 2 Pet. 3:7, 16
  5. Something wasted (perfume), Matt. 26:8; Mark 14:4,
  6. Spiritual Death, Matt. 7:13; Rom. 9:22; Heb. 10:39; Rev. 17:8, 11
Apollumi – ἀπόλλυμι, to destroy, cause to perish, be deprived of
1. The word destruction (apollumi), when it is in reference to people, has a total of 60 occurrences in the New Testament. Of those 60 occurrences, none necessitate, from context, that nonexistence is the proper interpretation. This is important since there are contexts where the nonexistence of objects are clearly understood: flowers (James 1:11), gold (1 Pet. 1:7), luxurious things (Rev. 18:14), and wine (Mark 2:22). Nevertheless, within those 60 occurrences where apollumi is in reference to people, the only verses where physical death is necessary as an interpretation totals 23. But they do not necessitate that these people cease to exist. Furthermore, this means that 37 occurrence of apollumi range in topics including the option of existence or nonexistence (Matt. 10:28; John 10:10), physical death or spiritual death (Matt. 10:39; 16:25; 18:14; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24, 25; Luke 17:12, 33; John 12:25; 1 Cor. 8:11), damnation (John 3:16; 6:39; 18:9; 1 Cor. 1:18; 2 Thess. 2:10; James 4:12), death of Jesus where he obviously would continue existence after physical death (Matt. 2:13; 12:14; 27:20; Mark 3:6; 11:18; Luke 19:47), and of a nation disappearing (John 11:50). Furthermore, the other contexts deal with such things as accomplishment (2 John 8), demons (Mark 1:24; 4:34), objects destroyed but still there (Matt. 9:17; Luke 5:37; 2 Pet. 3:6), hindrance (Rom. 14:15), loss of reward (Matt. 10:42; Mark 9:41), heaven and earth not remaining (Heb. 1:11), rendering wisdom invalid (1 Cor. 1:19), removal of a body part (Matt. 5:29-30), and something unaccounted for (John 6:12; Luke 15:4-6, 8-9; 21:18). That is 21 occurrences where apollumi does not mean physical or spiritual death. Annihilationists who insist that the word apollumi, when in reference to people, must mean the ultimate nonexistence of those people, are wrong. This is not to say it can’t mean it, but that it does not necessarily mean it. Therefore, they are reading into the text what is not logically required.
  1. Destroy demons, undefined condition, Mark 1:24; Luke 4:34
  2. Destroy Jesus, but Jesus would still exist (hypostatic union), Matt. 2:13; 12:14; 27:20; Mark 3:6; 11:18; Luke 19:47
    1. Herod’s attempt to destroy Jesus as a child, Matt. 2:13
    2. Jews trying to destroy Jesus, Matt. 12:14; Mark 3:6; 11:18; Luke 19:47
    3. To put Jesus to death, Matt. 27:20
  3. Destroyed, but still there, Matt. 9:17; Luke 5:37; 2 Pet. 3:6
    - Wineskins that burst, Matt. 9:17; Luke 5:37
    - The world destroyed by the flood, 2 Pet. 3:6
  4. Generic destruction, of bad vine-growers, Mark 12:9
  5. Loss, generic, Luke 21:18; John 6:12; Acts 27:34
  6. Loss, Jesus not lose any, John 6:39; John 18:9
  7. Loss of reward, Matt. 10:42; Mark 9:41
  8. Loss vs. gain, Matt. 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24-25; 17:33; John 12:25; 2 John 8
  9. Lost spiritually, yet still exist, Matt. 10:6; 15:24
    - The lost sheep of the house of Israel, Matt. 10:6
    - The lost sheep of the house of Israel, Matt. 15:24
  10. Hinder, distress, Rom. 14:15
  11. Non-existence, definite Mark 2:22; John 6:27; James 1:11; 1 Pet. 1:7; Rev. 18:14
    - Wine, Mark 2:22
    - Food, John 6:27
    - Plants, James 1:11
    - Gold, 1 Pet. 1:7
    - Luxurious and splendid things, Rev. 18:14
  12. Non-existence, possible, Matt. 10:28; John 10:10; 11:50
    - Destroy both soul and body in hell, Matt. 10:28
    - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, John 10:10
    - One man dies so that the nation of Israel not perish, John 11:50
  13. Not remain, Heb. 1:11
    - The heavens and earth, Heb. 1:11
  14. Physical death, Matt. 21:41; 22:7; 26:52; Mark 4:38; 8:25; 9:22; Luke 8:24; 11:51; 13:3, 5, 33, 15:17; 17:27, 29; 20:16; Acts 5:37; Rom. 2:12; 1 Cor. 10:9-10; 2 Cor. 4:9; Jude 5, 11
  15. Physical death and/or Spiritual death, Matt.18:14; John 17:12; 1 Cor. 8:11
    1. Not the will of God that any little ones perish, Matthew 18:14
    2. Not one perish to accept the son of perdition, John 17:12
    3. Weak brother ruined, 1 Cor. 8:11
  16. Remove body part, Matt. 5:29-30
  17. Render invalid, 1 Cor. 1:19
  18. Spiritual death, condition not specified, Luke 19:10; John 3:16; 10:28; 1 Cor. 1:18; 15:18; 2 Cor. 2:15; 2 Cor. 4:3; 2 Thess. 2:10; James 4:12; 2 Pet. 3:9
    1. Jesus came to save the lost, Luke 19:10
    2. Believers would not perish, John 3:16
    3. People who are perishing, 2 Cor. 2:15
    4. etc.
  19. Unaccounted for, Luke 15:4, 6, 8, 9, 24, 32
Basanismos – βασανισμός, torment
1. The word basanismos, βασανισμός, in all of its 6 occurrences in the New Testament, means some sort of continual suffering that is experienced whether it be by people being tormented for five months (Rev. 9:5) or the smoke of wicked’s torment which ascends forever (Rev. 14:11). However, in the case of the city of Babylon which is set in torment (Rev. 18:7, 10, 15) it appears that the governmental system that is tormented. This must allude to the horrors experienced by the people within that corrupt system. In no cases is the assault, torture, suffering a state of nonexistence.
  1. Continual suffering
    1. People tormented for five months, Rev. 9:5
    2. Smoke of torment ascends forever and ever, Rev. 14:11
    3. Babylon is set in torment, Rev. 18:7, 10, 15
Basanistes – βασανιστής, torment
1. The Greek word βασανιστής, basanistes occurs once in the New Testament (Matt. 18:34). It refers to a torturer, one who tortures. It does not mean a state of nonexistence.
  1. Continual suffering handed over to the torturers, Matt. 18:34
Basanos – βάσανος, torment
1. The word basanos, βάσανος, in each of its 3 occurrences in the New Testament means some sort of continual suffering that is experienced by people (Matt. 4:24; Luke 16:23, 28). In no cases is the suffering (punishment in Luke 16:23, 28) a state of nonexistence.
  1. Continual suffering
    1. Jesus healed physical suffering, Matt. 4:24
    2. Rich man in torment in Hades, Luke 16:23, 28
Basanizo – βασανίζω, torment
1. The word basanizo in all of its 12 occurrences in the New Testament means some sort of assault, difficulty, and suffering upon a person or even upon an object such as a boat (Matt. 14:24). It is something that is experienced by the subject (Matt. 8:6; 2 Pet. 2:8; Rev. 9:5, etc.) or will be experienced by the subject (i.e., demons, Matt. 8:29; Mark 5:7; Luke 8:28). In no cases is the assault, torture, suffering a state of nonexistence.
  1. Continual assault, Matt. 14:24
  2. Continual suffering, 6 occurrences, Matt. 8:6; Mark 6:48; 2 Pet. 2:8; Rev. 9:5; 11:10; 12:2
  3. Threatened suffering, Matt. 8:29; Mark 5:7; Luke 8:28; Rev. 14:10; 20:10
Diaphtheiro, διαφθείρω, to destroy utterly
1. The Greek word diaphtheiro occurs only six times in the New Testament. The only usage where it refers to people is in Revelation 11:18. The context does not clarify whether the destruction means nonexistence or continued existence upon execution. Therefore, Rev. 11:18 cannot be used to prove conditional immortality. But, it is used in relationship to decaying (2 Cor. 4:16), being of depraved mind (1 Tim. 6:5), generic destruction of people (Rev. 11:18), as well as the destruction of the earth by people – which means the earth is still there (Rev. 11:18), and nonexistence of possessions and ships (Luke 12:33; Rev. 8:9). Therefore, this word is not demonstrated annihilationism is true.
  1. Decaying, 2 Cor. 4:16
  2. Depraved, 1 Tim. 6:5
  3. Destroyed, but still there, Rev. 11:18
  4. To not exist, Luke 12:33; Rev. 8:9
Dike – penalty, punishment
1. The Greek word δίκη, dike is only used four times in the New Testament and carries the meaning of punishment and judgment. In the two verses that relate to the topic of annihilationism (conditional immortality), 2 Thess. 1:9 and Jude 7 are of particular importance. The first says that the penalty of eternal destruction will be levied upon those who do not know God (2 Thess. 1:8). Exactly what is the nature of this destruction whether it is conscious torment or annihilation is not clarified. Jude 6-7 seems to suggest a present punishment of fallen angels (Jude 6) along with a continued, present punishment of the wicked.
  1. Conscious punishment, Acts 25:15
  2. Justice, Acts 28:4
  3. Penalty, 2 Thess. 1:9
  4. Punishment, Jude 7
Ekdikeo – execute justice
1. The Greek word ἐκδικέω, ekdikeo occurs six times in the New Testament and has a variety of meanings including giving and taking as well as punishment and judgment. But it seems its primary usage is in the context of executing justice for someone who has been wronged. The contexts where it might relate to eternal judgment (Rom. 12:19; Rev. 6:10; 19:2) do not tell us what the final disposition of the people are, whether it be nonexistence or existence.
  1. Execute Justice, Rom. 12:19; 2 Cor. 10:6; Rev. 6:10; 19:2
  2. Provision, Luke 18:3, 5
Ekdikesis – execute justice
1. The Greek word ἐκδίκησις, ekdikesis means to execute justice. It occurs nine times in the New Testament and in each instance carries the overall meaning of carrying out judgment. The English equivalent is varied being translated into such words as justice, vengeance, avenging, and retribution. This justice is in a good way for the elect (Luke 18:7, 8). It has eschatological significance in Luke 21:22 where it speaks of the judgment of God upon people in the last days. It speaks of punishment and judgment against wrongdoers in Romans 12:19; 2 Corinthians 7:11; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Hebrews 10:30; 1 Peter 2:14. But, in the context of the final state of the wicked (possibly 2 Thess. 1:8; Heb. 10:30), the word as used does not necessitate annihilation or continued conscious torment.
  1. Execute justice, Luke 18:7, 8
  2. Punishment, 1 Pet. 2:14
  3. Retribution, 2 Thess. 1:8
  4. Vengeance, 5 occurrences, Luke 21:22; Acts 7:24; Rom. 12:19; 2 Cor. 7:11; Heb. 10:30
Epitimia – punishment
1. The Greek word epitimia occurs only one time in the New Testament in 2 Cor. 2:6. There it is used of the punishment of an offender that is in accordance with the assessment of the majority of people.
  1. Punishment experienced while alive, 1 occurrence, 2 Cor. 2:6
Exolethreuo – ἐξολεθρεύω, destroy out of its place
1. The Greek word ἐξολεθρεύω, exolethreuo occurs only one time in the New Testament in Acts 3:23. It can mean physical or spiritual death. The context does not necessitate that the ones who are destroyed, are annihilated or whether or not they continue to exist. However, the single instance of its use suggests that the destruction is not spiritual nonexistence, but physical death since in Acts 2:23 it says “that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.” So it is suggestive of physical death.. Therefore, the verse cannot be used to prove annihilationism is true since the destruction is not speaking of the final judgment.
  1. Physical and/or spiritual death, Acts 3:23
Kataluo – καταλύω, to tear down, abolish, overthrow
1. The Greek word καταλύω, kataluo occurs 17 times in the New Testament. It means to abolish (Matt. 5:17), be a guest of (Luke 19:7), find lodging (Luke 9:12), overthrow (Acts 5:38-39), and tear down (Matt. 24:2; 26:61; 27:40; Mark 13:2; 14:58; 15:29; Luke 21:6; Acts 6:14; Rom. 14:20; 2 Cor. 5:1; Gal. 2:18). In none of the verses does the context suggest annihilation of people or their nonexistence in the intermediate state between death and resurrection.
  1. Abolish, Matt. 5:17
  2. Be a guest of, Luke 19:7
  3. Find lodging, Luke 9:12
  4. Overthrow, Acts 5:38-39
  5. Tear down, Matt. 24:2; 26:61; 27:40; Mark 13:2; 14:58; 15:29; Luke 21:6; Acts 6:14; Rom. 14:20; 2 Cor. 5:1; Gal. 2:18
Katastrophe – destruction, overthrow, ruin
1. The New Testament Greek word καταστροφή, katastrophe occurs two times in the New Testament. The verse that is related to annihilationism is 2 Peter 2:6. There, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is declared. We know that the two cities were obliterated and nothing alive was left. The question then becomes is the analogy of Sodom and Gomorrah a one-to-one correspondence to the human soul? Does it necessitate the annihilation of the wicked on the Day of Judgment? Annihilationists assert that it does. However, the context of the verse does not necessitate their assumption. After all, it is the cities that were reduced to ashes and the people were not said to cease existing.
  1. Spiritual ruin, 2 Tim. 2:14
  2. Physical destruction, 2 Pet. 2:6
kathaireo – καθαιρέω, to conquer, remove, takedown
1. The Greek word καθαιρέω, kathaireo occurs nine times in the New Testament. It has a variety of meanings including to conquer (Acts 13:19), refute (2 Cor. 10:5), remove (Luke 1:52; Acts 19:27), take down (Mark 15:36, 46; Luke 23:53; Acts 13:29), and tear down (Luke 12:18). None of the usages require an interpretation of nonexistence after death at the final judgment. Therefore, none of the verses in which the word occurs can be used to support the idea of annihilationism.
  1. Conquer, Acts 13:19
  2. Refute, 2 Cor. 10:5
  3. Remove, Luke 1:52; Acts 19:27
  4. Takedown, Mark 15:36, 46; Luke 23:53; Acts 13:29
  5. Tear down, Luke 12:18
Kathairesis – καθαίρεσις, to conquer, remove, takedown
1. The Greek word καθαίρεσις, kathairesis occurs three times in the New Testament. It means to conquer (2 Cor. 10:4) and tear down (2 Cor. 10:8; 13:10). The only verse where it can be applied to destroying a person or persons is in 2 Cor. 10:8. There Paul is talking about building people up not destroying them. So the verse cannot be used to support annihilationism.
  1. Conquer, 2 Cor. 10:4
  2. Tear down, 2 Cor. 10:8; 13:10
Kolasis – punish
1. The Greek word κόλασις, kolasis occurs two times in the New Testament. It has a generic meaning of punishment. However, the exact nature of that punishment whether it be nonexistence or continued existence is not explicitly stated in the two verses in which it appears. Of course, in the context of annihilationism, Matthew 25:46 is one of the key verses under dispute. Is the eternal punishment nonexistence or is it conscious punishment? That is the question. We have to look elsewhere to support or refute annihilationism. The question is what is the nature of that punishment and how does God use the term in reference to people.
  1. Punish, Matt. 25:46; 1 John 4:18
Kolazo -prune
1. The Greek word κολάζω, kolazo occurs two times in the New Testament. It has the primary meeting of pruning and is used metaphorically of punishing. In both references, it is about punishing people. In relationship to annihilationism, Acts 4:21 speaks of a punishment that a person would experience. 2 Peter 2:9 implies that punishment is presently occurring for people who would face the day of judgment.
  1. Punishment experienced while alive, Acts 4:21; 2 Pet. 2:9
Luo – λύω, to loosen, unbind
1. The Greek word λύω, luo occurs 42 times in the New Testament. It is translated into many different English words including annul (Matt. 5:19), break (John 5:18), destroy but still there (John 2:19; 2 Pet. 3:12), loosen ( Matt. 16:19; 18:18; Mark 1:7; Luke 13:15, etc.), release (Luke 13:16; Acts 22:30; 1 Cor. 7:27; Rev. 1:5, etc.), remove (Mark 7:35; Acts 7:33; Eph. 2:14), torn apart (2 Pet. 3:10, 11), etc. There are two references to Jesus. The first is in John 2:19-21 where he speaks of the destruction (luo) of his physical body which he declared he would resurrect. So, his body thus destroyed, still existed. The second is Acts 2:24 which speaks of putting an end to the agony of Jesus’ death. Neither of the verses can be used to support annihilationism. If anything, they would speak against it regarding the concept of destruction meaning nonexistence.
  1. Annul, Matt. 5:19
  2. Break, John 5:18; 7:23; 10:35; Rev. 5:2
  3. Broken apart, Acts 27:41
  4. Destroyed but still there, 2 Pet. 3:12
  5. Ended, Acts 13:43
  6. Loosen, Matt. 16:19; 18:18; 21:2; Mark 1:7;11:2, 4, 5; Luke 3:16; 13:15; Luke 19:30-31, 33; John 1:27; 11:44; Acts 13:25;
  7. Put an end to, Acts 2: 24
  8. Release, Luke 13:16; Acts 22:30; 1 Cor. 7:27; Rev. 1:5; 9:14, 15; 20:3, 7
  9. Remove, Mark 7:35; Acts 7:33; Eph. 2:14
  10. Stop and undo, 1 John 3:8
  11. Tear down, John 2:19
  12. Torn apart, 2 Pet. 3:10, 11
Olethros – ὄλεθρος, to destroy, kill. ruin, destruction.
1. The Greek word ὄλεθρος, olethros occurs four times in the New Testament. It refers to the destruction of a person’s physical body (1 Cor. 5:5), unspecified destruction (1 Thess. 5:3), eternal destruction (2 Thess. 1:9), and ruin or spiritual death (1 Tim. 6:9). Of the verses mentioned, only 2 Thess. 1:9 and 1 Timothy 6:9 relate to the possible nonexistence of people. But, the context does not determine whether the destruction is annihilation or continued existence in the final judgment. Therefore, none of the verses that contain the Greek word olethros can be used to prove annihilationism is true.
  1. Physical death, 1 Cor. 5:5
  2. Spiritual death, 1 Tim. 6:9
  3. Unspecified, 1 Thess. 5:3; 2 Thess. 1:9
Paideuo – punish, chastize
1. In the New Testament, the Greek word παιδεύω, paideuo occurs 13 times with a variety of translations into the English including punish (Luke 23:16; 1 Cor. 11:32; 1 Tim. 1:20; Heb. 12:6-7; Rev. 3:19), correct (2 Tim. 2:25), and instruct (Acts 7:22; 22:3; Titus 2:12). This is important in the context of annihilation and eternal conscious torment in that it exemplifies conscious punishment. This does not necessitate that all punishment is conscious (annihilationists say eternal punishment is nonexistence), but it is valuable in that it displays that God’s inspired word designates paideuo is something that is always experienced by someone.
  1. Correction
    1. 2 Tim. 2:25, correcting those in opposition
  2. Instruction
    1. Acts 7:22, Moses was educated in the learning of the Egyptians
    2. Acts 22:3, Paul was educated under Gamaliel
    3. Titus 2:12, instructing us to deny ungodliness
  3. Punishment experienced while alive
    1. Luke 23:16, 22, punished and then released
    2. 1 Cor. 11:32, we are disciplined by the Lord
    3. 2 Cor. 6:9 punished yet not put to death
    4. 1 Tim. 1:20, top not to blaspheme
    5. Heb. 12:6, 7, God disciplines those whom he loves
    6. Heb. 12:10, disciplined by earthly fathers
    7. Rev. 3:19, the Lord disciplines those whom he loves
Phtheiro – φθείρω, corruption, destruction
1. The Greek word φθείρω, phtheiro occurs nine times in the New Testament. Of those occurrences only three relate to possible support of annihilationism. Those verses are 1 Cor. 3:17, 2 Pet. 2:12, and Jude 10. In 1 Cor. 3:17 the context does not necessitate annihilationism. It could be understood to mean spiritual death (i.e., separation from God, Is. 59:2) which is not specified. However, some annihilationists might assert that the verse requires an interpretation of nonexistence since if the human body “temple of God” is destroyed, then he will be destroyed in the afterlife. But, this is not necessarily the case since it is an unproven assumption. Physical destruction doesn’t necessitate the nonexistence of the soul (see 2 Cor. 5:8; 2 Cor. 12:2). We must examine the entire Bible to see how death, destruction, etc., are used in relation to continued conscious torment or the possibility of annihilationism.
  1. Corruption, 1 Cor. 15:33; 2 Cor. 7:2; Eph. 4:22; Rev. 19:2
  2. Led astray, 2 Cor. 11:3
  3. Physical and/or spiritual death, 1 Cor. 3:17; 2 Pet. 2:12; Jude 10
Phthora – φθορά, corruption, perishable, ruin
1. The Greek word φθορά, phthora occurs nine times in the New Testament. The only possible usage where it could be related to human death and annihilationism is 2 Pet. 2:12. However, the context can mean physical or spiritual death. The potential condition of such a person in the afterlife is not clear. Therefore, this verse cannot be used as proof of annihilationism
  1. Corruption, Rom. 8:21; Gal. 6:8; 2 Pet. 1:4; 2 Pet. 2:19
  2. Perishable, 1 Cor. 15:42, 50; Col. 2:22
  3. Physical and/or spiritual death, 2 Pet. 2:12
Portheo – πορθέω, persecute, overthrow
1. The Greek word πορθέω, portheo occurs three times in the New Testament. It is used in the context of trying to destroy the Christian church, which is its people (Gal. 1:13, 23) and in Acts 9:21 where it refers to destroying those who called on the name of Christ. But this can only mean physical death since it was Paul who was killing Christians – not annihilating them. Therefore, these verses cannot be used to support annihilationism.
  1. Overthrow, Gal. 1:13, 23
  2. Physical death, Acts 9:21
Suntrimma – σύντριμμα, destruction, ruin
1. The Greek word σύντριμμα, suntrimma only occurs once in Romans 3:16. The context does not clarify whether the destruction spoken of it is in support of annihilationism or eternal conscious torment. It can be either physical or spiritual destruction, but the context does not reveal its nature. Both positions are interpretive possibilities, but not necessitated. Therefore, it cannot be used to prove annihilationism.
  1. Physical and/or spiritual death, Rom. 3:16
Tephroo, destroy – turn to ashes
1. The Greek word τεφρόω, tephroo only occurs once in 2 Peter 2:6. The context does not clarify whether the destruction spoken of it is in support of annihilationism or eternal conscious torment regarding people since it speaks about the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah being reduced to ashes. It obviously means physical destruction, but the context does not reveal if this destruction means a person does not exist in the afterlife or on the Day of Judgment leading to nonexistence.
  1. Physical and/or spiritual death, Rom. 3:16
Timoreo – punish
1. The Greek word τιμωρέω, timoreo occurs two times in the New Testament. In each, it deals with punishment of people. In Acts 22:5 and 26:11, the specific nature the physical punishment is not declared. The context of both does not tell us if the punishment means those punished are executed. Even if the case could be made that they were, such physical execution does not mean the soul ceases to exist – unless someone is presupposing that when the physical body dies the soul ceases to exist as well. So, these two verses cannot be used to demonstrate annihilationism is true.
  1. Punishment, Acts 22:5
  2. Punishment while alive, Acts 26:11
Timoria – punish
1. The Greek word τιμωρία, timoria occurs only once in the New Testament and it means punishment. It is used in Hebrews 10:29, but the nature of the punishment is not specified. In the context of our discussion on annihilationism and eternal conscious torment, the generic usage of the word does not lend itself specifically to either position.
  1. Punishment, generic, Heb. 10:29