ἄφθαρτος (aphthartos)
aphthartos
incorruptible
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word aphthartos describes something that is imperishable or immune to decay. It combines a negative prefix with a root meaning corruption, so it literally defines what does not rot or fade away. In the New Testament, this adjective applies to both physical objects and spiritual realities, marking them as permanent in a world defined by change.
Its usage reveals a striking contrast between the temporary and the eternal. Paul uses it to describe the crown believers seek, which lasts forever unlike the wreath of leaves that withers (1 Corinthians 9:25). He also applies it to the resurrection body, promising that mortal flesh will be clothed in imperishability (1 Corinthians 15:52). In Peter’s letters, it characterizes both the eternal inheritance kept in heaven and the living word that brings new birth (1 Peter 1:4, 23).
The term carries significant theological weight by defining the nature of God Himself. Romans 1:23 and 1 Timothy 1:17 describe the Creator as immortal, distinguishing Him from created idols that are subject to decay. This consistent application across different contexts emphasizes that true permanence belongs only to God and what He establishes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aphthartos points to a permanence that defies our daily experience of decay. We live in a world where things fade, rust, and wear out. This term reminds us that God’s nature and His promises do not share this fragile fate. When Scripture calls God incorruptible, it affirms that He is the stable ground beneath our feet, unlike the shifting sands of culture or circumstance.
For your faith, this means your hope is anchored in something lasting. Paul contrasts the withering wreaths athletes seek with the imperishable reward reserved for believers. Your efforts to live faithfully are not lost to time. The inheritance kept in heaven and the new birth you have received through God’s word are secure against all decay.
This truth offers deep comfort when you face loss or uncertainty. While earthly treasures vanish, the spiritual realities God establishes remain. You can trust that what He has begun in you will endure forever, offering a hope that outlasts every season of change.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- imperishable3×
- of imperishable1×
- imperishable,1×
- immortal1×
- an imperishable.1×
- [the] immortal1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄφθαρτον2×
- ἀφθάρτῳ2×
- ἀφθάρτου2×
- ἄφθαρτον.1×
- ἄφθαρτοι,1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 9:25
Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.
Paul contrasts the temporary wreath with the eternal reward to motivate believers toward lasting spiritual discipline.
-
I Corinthians 15:52
in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.
This verse promises that the resurrection body will be permanently free from the decay that currently affects human flesh.
-
I Peter 1:4
to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you,
Peter describes an inheritance that cannot fade, providing assurance of security for believers despite earthly trials.
-
Romans 1:23
and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, four-footed animals, and creeping things.
Paul uses this term to highlight the absurdity of idolatry by contrasting the eternal Creator with decaying created images.