ἀφθαρσία (aphtharsia)
aphtharsia
incorruptibility
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun aphtharsia denotes a state of being free from decay or corruption. It describes an enduring quality that resists the natural processes of rotting, destruction, or moral decline. In the New Testament, this term carries significant weight in discussions about eternal life and genuine character.
Its most prominent usage appears in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, where he contrasts our current fragile bodies with a future existence that will not perish (1 Corinthians 15:42-54). Here, it points to the resurrection body’s immunity to death. The word also surfaces in Romans and Timothy, linking incorruptibility to the hope of eternal life and the enduring nature of Christ’s own appearance.
Sometimes applied to personal conduct, as seen in Titus and Ephesians, it describes a sincerity or purity that remains untainted by deceit. This usage highlights an inner integrity that does not degrade over time. The term thus bridges physical permanence with moral steadfastness, offering a vision of life that transcends temporary decay.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aphtharsia describes a state free from decay or corruption. It points to an enduring quality that resists the natural processes of rotting and destruction. In our daily lives, we often feel the weight of things falling apart, but this term offers a different perspective on what truly lasts.
Paul uses it in 1 Corinthians 15 to describe the resurrection body. He explains that our current fragile bodies will be raised imperishable. This promise gives us hope because it means death is not the end. The perishable puts on immortality, and what was temporary becomes eternal.
This incorruptibility also applies to our character. In Titus, Paul encourages believers to show integrity in their teaching. It suggests a sincerity that remains untainted by deceit. We can trust in a faith that does not degrade over time, grounded in the permanent love of Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- immortality3×
- incorruptibility1×
- incorruptable,1×
- imperishable1×
- immortality;1×
- [the] imperishable1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀφθαρσίαν5×
- ἀφθορίαν,1×
- ἀφθαρσίᾳ·1×
- ἀφθαρσίᾳ1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 15:42
So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown perishable; it is raised imperishable.
This verse establishes the core contrast between our current perishable state and the future raised body that is imperishable.
-
I Corinthians 15:53
For this perishable body must become imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.
Here the word explains the necessary transformation where mortal humanity must put on immortality to enter God's presence.
-
Romans 2:7
to those who by perseverance in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life;
Paul links this quality directly to eternal life, showing that seeking incorruptibility is part of perseverance in well-doing.
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Titus 2:7
In all things show yourself an example of good works. In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility,
The term shifts from physical resurrection to moral integrity, urging believers to maintain a purity that does not corrupt.