Olethros
/ˈɒl.ə.θrɒs/noun
A Greek-derived term meaning destruction, ruin, or devastation, especially in theological or literary contexts.
Did you know?In the New Testament phrase “olethros aionios,” usually translated “eternal destruction,” the Greek term has fueled centuries of debate over annihilation, ruin, and the fate of the wicked.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₃el-
“A reconstructed root associated with destroying or causing ruin.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὄλλυμι (óllymi)
“To destroy, ruin, or cause to perish.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὄλεθρος (ólethros)
“Destruction, ruin, slaughter, or a destructive calamity.”
Hellenistic Greek
Koine Greek
ὄλεθρος
“Destruction or ruin; used in religious and apocalyptic contexts.”
1st Century CE
New Testament Greek
ὄλεθρος αἰώνιος
““Eternal destruction” or “everlasting ruin,” a phrase appearing in 2 Thessalonians 1:9.”
Modern English
English
olethros
“A learned borrowing used in theological, literary, and mythological discussion to mean destruction or ruin.”
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