Robert B. Girdlestone, Synonyms of the Old Testament, p. 276, points out that there are several places where this term cannot be translated annihilation, "but such injury as makes the object practically useless for its original purpose."
the waste of ointment, Matt. 26:8
destruction of old wine skins, Matt. 9:17
destruction of hair, Luke 21:18
destruction of food, John 6:27
destruction of gold, 1 Pet. 1:7
destruction of the world, 2 Peter. 3:6
destruction of the physical body, Matt. 2:13; 8:25; 12:14; 21:41; 22:7; 26:52; 27:20; Rom. 2:12; 14:15; and 1 Cor. 8:11
This refers to the end of bodily existence. It is also commonly used in a moral sense. "All men are regarded as morally destroyed, i.e., they have failed to carry out the intention for which the race was called into being" (p. 276). God's response to this problem was Jesus Christ (cf. John 3:15-16 and 2 Pet. 3:9). Those who reject the gospel are now subject to a further destruction, which does involve body and spirit (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18; 2 Cor. 2:15; 4:3; 2 Thess. 2:10).
I have come to believe in "limited immortality." Only God is ever-living and those He chooses to give eternal life (i.e., believers in Jesus). This has caused me to rethink "eternal conscious torment." I hope you will look at the YouTube videos by
Edward William Fudge, The Fire That Consumes: A Biblical and Historical Study of the Doctrine of Final Punishment (video and book)
Steve Gregg, "Hell: Three Views" (video)
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