"to lay waste, destroy; impl. to harass, ravage, Acts 9:21; Gal. 1:13, 23*"
Definition and meaning
to lay waste, destroy; impl. to harass, ravage, Acts 9:21; Gal. 1:13, 23*
In the original Greek the word is written: πορθέω
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of portheo (G4199) across the King James Bible.
But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
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Common questions
Strong's G4199 (portheo) is a Greek word that means: to lay waste, destroy; impl. to harass, ravage, Acts 9:21; Gal. 1:13, 23* It appears 3 times in the King James Bible.
The word portheo (G4199) appears 3 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4199 is portheo, a Greek word defined as: to lay waste, destroy; impl. to harass, ravage, Acts 9:21; Gal. 1:13, 23*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
portheo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.