Lexical Summary aphthartos: Incorruptible, imperishable, immortal Original Word: ἄφθαρτος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance incorruptible, immortal. From a (as a negative particle) and a derivative of phtheiro; undecaying (in essence or continuance) -- not (in-, un-)corruptible, immortal. see GREEK a see GREEK phtheiro Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 862: ἄφθαρτοςἄφθαρτος, ἄφθαρτον (φθείρω), uncorrupted, not liable to corruption or decay, imperishable: of things, 1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Peter 1:4, 23; 1 Peter 3:4; (ἄφθαρτος κήρυγμα τῆς αἰωνίου σωτηρίας, Mark 16 WH in (rejected) 'Shorter Conclusion'). immortal: of the risen dead, 1 Corinthians 15:52; of God, Romans 1:23; 1 Timothy 1:17. (Wis. 12:1 Wis. 18:4. (Aristotle), Plutarch, Lucian, others. (Cf. Trench, § lxviii.).) STRONGS NT 862b: ἀφθορίαἀφθορία, ἀφθοριας, ἡ (ἄφθορος uncorrupted, from φθείρω), uncorruptness: Titus 2:7 L T Tr WH; see ἀδιαφθορία. Strong’s Greek 862 identifies the quality of being free from decay or corruption in any form—physical, moral, or spiritual. Scripture applies this attribute to God Himself, to the believer’s future state, to the gospel message, and to the goals and virtues believers pursue in the present age. Distribution in the New Testament Eight inspired occurrences appear across four authors (Paul, Peter, and the Markan appendix), demonstrating a unified biblical testimony: • Romans 1:23 The word spans doxology, ethical exhortation, eschatological promise, and missionary narrative, illustrating its breadth of application. God’s Essential Nature Paul twice uses the term to exalt divine majesty. Romans 1:23 contrasts idols with “the immortal God,” underscoring that every created object inevitably deteriorates, whereas God’s glory is untouched by time or moral taint. In 1 Timothy 1:17 he praises the “King eternal, immortal, invisible,” grounding Christian confidence in a Lord whose character cannot fade. The Believer’s Future Transformation The resurrection chapter highlights the believer’s bodily destiny: “the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52). This promise connects directly to the Lord’s victory over death and supplies sure hope that present suffering will culminate in an undying inheritance (1 Peter 1:4). Present Motivation and Discipline Athletic imagery in 1 Corinthians 9:25 contrasts fragile laurel wreaths with the “crown that is imperishable.” The verse fuels self-denial for ministry, reminding servants of Christ that eternal reward far outweighs temporal accolades. The Imperishable Word and New Birth Peter links new birth to an enduring seed: “born again… through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). The gospel does not lose potency with cultural change; it retains life-giving power across generations and geographies (confirmed in Mark 16:20 as the risen Lord validates the preached word with accompanying signs). Inner Beauty Over Outward Fading 1 Peter 3:4 urges believers—especially wives—to cherish “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.” Spiritual graces, unlike physical appearance, cannot age, rust, or perish, and are “precious in the sight of God.” Ministry Implications 1. Proclamation—The church proclaims an undiminishing message backed by an undying Savior. Historical Reflection Early Christian apologists contrasted the Church’s incorruptible hope with the transience of Greco-Roman deities and imperial power. Patristic writings frequently cited 1 Corinthians 15:52 and 1 Peter 1:4 to defend bodily resurrection and to encourage martyr faithfulness. Summary Strong’s Greek 862 carries a consistent biblical thread: what is bound to time and sin will perish, but God, His gospel, His reward, and the redeemed life He imparts stand forever. This truth fuels worship, steadies endurance, and shapes holy ambition until the day when “the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable” (1 Corinthians 15:54). Englishman's Concordance Mark 16:20 Adj-AMSGRK: ἱερὸν καὶ ἄφθαρτον κήρυγμα τῆς INT: sacred and imperishable preaching of Romans 1:23 Adj-GMS 1 Corinthians 9:25 Adj-AMS 1 Corinthians 15:52 Adj-NMP 1 Timothy 1:17 Adj-DMS 1 Peter 1:4 Adj-AFS 1 Peter 1:23 Adj-GFS 1 Peter 3:4 Adj-DNS Strong's Greek 862 |
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