The Greek word athanasía, represented by G110, means deathlessness or immortality. It is derived from a compound of the negative particle "A" and "thánatos" (death). The term appears 3 times across 3 unique verses, highlighting a specific and profound theological concept.
In its biblical usage, G110 first describes a unique attribute of God, who only hath immortality and dwells in a light which no man can approach 1 Timothy 6:16. The word is also used to describe the future state of believers. Scripture explains that this corruptible body must put on incorruption, and this mortal body must put on immortality 1 Corinthians 15:53. This transformation marks the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy, for when the mortal has put on immortality, then it will be brought to pass that "Death is swallowed up in victory" 1 Corinthians 15:54.
Several related words clarify the concept of immortality:
- G861 aphtharsía (incorruption): This term, meaning incorruptibility or unending existence, is used in parallel with G110. It signifies the imperishable nature that must be put on alongside immortality 1 Corinthians 15:53.
- G2349 thnētós (mortal): This word describes the state of being liable to die and stands in direct contrast to immortality. It is this mortal nature that must be clothed with G110 1 Corinthians 15:53.
- G2288 thánatos (death): As the direct antithesis of athanasía, this word for death is presented as an enemy that is ultimately conquered when believers receive immortality 1 Corinthians 15:54.
The theological weight of G110 is focused on God's nature and the believer's hope.
- An Exclusive Divine Attribute: Scripture presents immortality as an attribute that God only possesses in and of himself, setting Him apart from all created beings 1 Timothy 6:16.
- A Conferred State for Believers: While God is inherently immortal, for humanity it is a future state to be received. Believers, described as mortal G2349, must put on immortality G110, indicating it is a gift rather than an innate quality 1 Corinthians 15:53.
- The Culmination of Victory: The act of receiving immortality is tied to the final victory over death G2288. It is the moment when the saying that death is swallowed up in victory is brought to pass 1 Corinthians 15:54.
In summary, G110 is a precise term that distinguishes between God's inherent, eternal nature and the gifted, future state of believers. It defines immortality as belonging exclusively to God, while also being the ultimate hope for mortals who, through a divine act, will "put on" this deathlessness and thereby experience the final triumph over death.
TRV