ἀκατάλυτος (akatalutos)
akatalutos
indestructible
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word akatalutos describes something that cannot be dissolved or broken apart. It combines a negative prefix with a root meaning "to loosen" or "unbind," resulting in the sense of being indissoluble or indestructible. This term appears only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 7:16.
In this specific context, it characterizes the priesthood of Jesus. The author contrasts the Levitical priests, whose service ended with death, with Christ, who holds a permanent priesthood "according to the power of an indestructible life." The word emphasizes that the source of His enduring authority is not merely legal succession but the unbreakable nature of His own resurrection life.
While rare in biblical Greek, the term carries significant theological weight by highlighting the permanence of Christ's intercession. It assures readers that His priestly role is secure and eternal, grounded in a life that death could not dissolve or diminish.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word akatalutos describes a life that cannot be broken apart or dissolved. In Hebrews 7:16, it points to the power of Jesus’ resurrection. Unlike earthly leaders whose service ends with death, Christ holds a permanent priesthood because His life is unbreakable.
This truth offers deep comfort. You do not need to worry about whether your advocate can fail or fade. The source of His authority is not a rule book but His own indestructible life. Because He lives forever, His care for you remains steady and secure through every season.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- indestructible;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀκαταλύτου·1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 7:16
who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life;
This verse uses the term to contrast Christ’s eternal priesthood with the temporary service of Levitical priests who died.