Summary
In Ancient Greek mythology, Olethros /ˈɒlɪˌθrɒs/ (Greek: ὄλεθρος) was the personification of havoc and probably one of the Makhai.[citation needed]
Olethros translates roughly in ancient Greek to "destruction", but often with a positive connotation, as in the destruction required for and preceding renewal.
Biblical use of olethros edit
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the King James Bible defines the word as meaning "ruin"; i.e., death, punishment, or destruction. Olethros is found in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 5:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:3, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, and 1 Timothy 6:9, where it is translated "destruction" in most versions of the Bible. Some[who?] believe a more accurate translation of this word in these verses would be "punishment," referring to the kind of punishment that expiates guilt and restores the sinner to communion with God.[citation needed]
In popular culture edit
The name "Olethros" is used to refer to Destruction in The Sandman series written by Neil Gaiman.
See also edit
Olethros Greek myths