Johann
Well-known member
Depraved-but not totally depraved? Being depraved already says it all. When the heart is darkened because God has given it over to that state-corrupt, perverse, and steeped in moral degradation-there is a serious problem. @Jim
Hebrew Words for "Depraved" or Corrupt
In the Old Testament, human depravity is often conveyed through words that denote corruption, perversion, or moral degradation.
(a) שָׁחַת (shāḥat) – "To be corrupt, spoiled, ruined"
Genesis 6:5, 11-12 (LXX: διαφθείρω) – "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually… The earth also was corrupt (שָׁחַת) before God, and the earth was filled with violence."
This term indicates moral corruption to the point of destruction, as seen in the context of Noah’s generation.
(b) עָוָה (ʿāvāh) – "To be perverted, twisted"
Isaiah 24:5 – "The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant."
This word is used for moral perversion or deviation from God’s righteousness.
(c) רָע (raʿ) – "Evil, wickedness"
Jeremiah 17:9 – "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked (אָנֻשׁ, ʾānush, incurably sick): who can know it?"
This verse describes the fallen nature of mankind, affirming that depravity is inherent in the human heart.
2. Greek Words for "Depraved" or Corrupt in the New Testament
In the New Testament, depravity is often associated with moral ruin, spiritual blindness, and corruption.
(a) διαφθείρω (diaphtheirō) – "To corrupt, destroy, ruin"
Romans 1:21-22 – "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened."
This verb implies an internal and external moral corruption leading to destruction.
(b) φθείρω (phtheirō) – "To corrupt, defile"
1 Corinthians 15:33 – "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners."
Used metaphorically for moral and spiritual corruption.
(c) κατεφθαρμένος (katephtharmenoi) – "Utterly depraved, wholly corrupted"
2 Peter 2:12 – "But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption."
This term indicates complete moral perversion and destruction.
(d) ἀδόκιμος νοῦς (adokimos nous) – "Reprobate mind"
Romans 1:28 – "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind (ἀδόκιμον νοῦν), to do those things which are not convenient."
This phrase describes a depraved mind that is no longer able to discern good from evil.
3. Is Mankind "Totally Depraved" or Simply "Depraved by Nature"?
The Bible teaches that all humans are fallen, corrupted, and inclined toward sin (Romans 3:10-12, Ephesians 2:1-3).
However, total depravity (as in Reformed theology) suggests that humans are so completely corrupted by sin that they cannot even desire God without divine intervention.
The biblical record shows that while humans are depraved and sinful, they are still capable of responding to God when He calls (e.g., John 1:9, Acts 10:34-35).
Thus, the idea that humans are depraved but not totally depraved aligns more closely with the biblical view of responsibility and free will.
Conclusion
The Hebrew and Greek words for "depraved" emphasize corruption, perversion, and moral ruin but do not necessarily affirm "total depravity" in the strictest sense. The Bible teaches that mankind is inherently sinful but still capable of responding to God’s grace when drawn by Him.
I personally believe people play hide and seek with YHWH, testing how far they can push the Lord of lords and King of kings—only to bring about their own destruction.
J.
