ἀπόλλυμι

Apóllymi has a wide semantic range, encompassing both physical and spiritual destruction, as well as the concept of being lost. It can describe the physical death of an individual, the ruin of material possessions, or the cessation of an entity's existence. The term often carries a sense of finality and irreparable damage. In some contexts, it can simply refer to losing something, such as a coin or a sheep, without necessarily implying complete annihilation.

When used in a theological sense, apóllymi often refers to eternal damnation or spiritual ruin, a state of separation from God. This is distinct from mere physical death, as it implies a judicial judgment and a lasting consequence for unbelief or wickedness. However, it can also describe the process of self-sacrifice for Christ's sake, where one "loses" their earthly life in order to gain eternal life. This paradoxical usage highlights the transforming power of faith and the reordering of priorities in the Christian life.

The active use of the verb can indicate God's judgment on the wicked or human agents destroying others. Passively, it can describe persons or things that are lost or have perished. The context is crucial for understanding the precise nuance, ranging from a simple loss to complete and utter destruction. It can refer to both temporal and eternal outcomes, underscoring the seriousness of choices and their consequences.