What did the Greek word for 'corrupt' mean in the Septuagint?
In the Septuagint, the Greek word for 'corrupt' meant a huckster, or one who hawked his wares. From Isaiah 1:22, it denoted someone selling or hawking an adulterated product, not merely something beginning to spoil. The English 'corrupt' fails to convey this commercial, adulterated sense.
Les explains that the Greek word K-A-P-A-L-Y-O-U from the Septuagint meant a huckster or one who hawked wares. From Isaiah 1:22, it meant someone selling or hawking an adulterated product. He notes the English word 'corrupt' does not really show this, since we usually think of corruption as something that has begun to spoil. Les then directs attention to Isaiah chapter 1, where Isaiah is coming down on the nation of Israel because of their sin and wickedness. Verse 21 asks how the faithful city has become a harlot; it was full of judgment and righteousness lodged in it, but now murderers. That city is Jerusalem, which at one time had been righteous and obedient to the Mosaic Law, but had become wicked. Verse 22 contains the word translated 'corrupt' in 2 Corinthians 2:17.
Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water:
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.