Original Word: ἄφθαρτος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: aphthartos
Pronunciation: af-thar-tos
Phonetic Spelling: (af'-thar-tos)
Definition: indestructible, imperishable, incorruptible; hence: immortal.
Meaning: Incorruptible, imperishable, immortal, not subject to decay or corruption.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek prefix "ἀ-" (a-) meaning "not" and "φθαρτός" (phthartos) meaning "corruptible" or "perishable."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἄφθαρτος, the concept of incorruptibility and eternal nature can be related to Hebrew terms such as עוֹלָם (olam, H5769) meaning "eternal" or "everlasting," and קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh, H6918) meaning "holy," which often implies purity and separation from corruption.

Usage: The term ἄφθαρτος is used in the New Testament to describe qualities or entities that are eternal, unchanging, and not subject to decay or corruption. It often refers to the nature of God, the resurrected body, or the eternal inheritance of believers.

Context: The Greek word ἄφθαρτος (aphthartos) is a significant term in the New Testament, conveying the concept of incorruptibility and immortality. It appears in several key passages, emphasizing the eternal and unchanging nature of divine realities.

• Divine Nature: In Romans 1:23, Paul contrasts the glory of the incorruptible God with the corruptible images made by humans. This highlights the eternal and unchanging nature of God, who is not subject to decay or corruption like created things.

• Resurrection and Eternal Life: In 1 Corinthians 15:52-54, Paul uses ἄφθαρτος to describe the transformation that occurs at the resurrection. The perishable body is raised imperishable, signifying the believer's victory over death and the promise of eternal life. This transformation underscores the hope of believers in the resurrection, where mortality is swallowed up by immortality.

• Christian Conduct and Inheritance: In 1 Peter 1:4, believers are promised an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading," reserved in heaven. This assurance of an incorruptible inheritance encourages believers to live in holiness and hope, knowing that their future is secure in Christ.

• Adornment of the Inner Self: In 1 Peter 3:4, the term is used metaphorically to describe the "imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit," which is of great worth in God's sight. This emphasizes the value of inner spiritual qualities over external appearances, aligning with the eternal values of God's kingdom.

The concept of ἄφθαρτος serves as a reminder of the eternal nature of God's promises and the ultimate transformation awaiting believers. It calls Christians to focus on the imperishable aspects of their faith and life, encouraging a perspective that transcends the temporal and corruptible world.

STRONGS NT 862: ἄφθαρτος

ἄφθαρτος, 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 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

Forms and Transliterations

αφθαρτοι άφθαρτοι ἄφθαρτοι αφθαρτον άφθαρτον ἄφθαρτον αφθαρτου αφθάρτου ἀφθάρτου αφθαρτω αφθάρτω ἀφθάρτῳ άφθορα aphtharto aphthartō aphthartoi aphthártoi aphthártōi áphthartoi aphtharton áphtharton aphthartou aphthártou

Links

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