The Greek word “aphanizo”

Found only in Mt. 6:16, 19-20; Acts 13:41; Jas. 4:14, the Greek verb “aphanizo” meant “vanish,” “perish,” “disfigure,” “destroy.”

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said hypocrites “disfigured” (altered) their faces during times of fasting to impress others. In Mt. 6:19-20 this word is used to say earthly treasure will be “destroyed” or “consumed.” James (4:14) used this verb to describe the rapid disappearance of smoke or vapor. The final place we find this verb is Acts 13:41; here this term “means” “destroyed” and it is associated with Hab. 1:5.