### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **amárantos**, represented by `{{G263}}`, means **unfading** or perpetual. It is derived from a negative particle combined with a word for withering away. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, where it describes the eternal nature of the believer's inheritance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G263}}` is in [[1 Peter 1:4]], where it characterizes the inheritance promised to believers. This **inheritance** `{{G2817}}` is described as being not only **incorruptible** `{{G862}}` and **undefiled** `{{G283}}`, but also one **that fadeth not away** `{{G263}}`. The verse further states that this permanent inheritance is **reserved** `{{G5083}}` **in** `{{G1722}}` **heaven** `{{G3772}}` for the believer.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context clarify the nature of this unfading inheritance:
* `{{G862}}` **áphthartos** (undecaying): This quality of being **incorruptible** stands in contrast to earthly rewards. In [[1 Corinthians 9:25]], believers are said to strive for an **incorruptible** crown, unlike the corruptible one sought by others.
* `{{G283}}` **amíantos** (unsoiled, pure): This term emphasizes the purity of the reward. It is also used to describe true religion as being **undefiled** before God [[James 1:27]] and to characterize Christ as an **undefiled** high priest [[Hebrews 7:26]].
* `{{G2817}}` **klēronomía** (inheritance): This defines the actual possession which is unfading. It is a promised patrimony, like the one Abraham sought by faith when he was called to receive an **inheritance** [[Hebrews 11:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G263}}` is concentrated on the nature of the believer's hope.
* **Eternal Hope:** The concept of an inheritance that is **unfading** points directly to its eternal and perpetual quality. Unlike **heaven** `{{G3772}}` and earth which "shall pass away," this reward is permanent [[Matthew 24:35]].
* **Perfect Purity:** Paired with **incorruptible** `{{G862}}` and **undefiled** `{{G283}}`, the term illustrates an inheritance free from any decay or impurity, unlike the world from which believers are to keep themselves unspotted [[James 1:27]].
* **Divine Security:** This inheritance is not only permanent but also secure, being **reserved** `{{G5083}}` or guarded in **heaven** `{{G3772}}`. The same word for "reserved" is used for keeping God's commandments, suggesting the certainty of this divine promise [[John 14:15]].
### Summary
In summary, while appearing only once, `{{G263}}` provides a powerful and concise description of the Christian's future reward. Its meaning, **that fadeth not away**, is amplified by the surrounding terms **incorruptible** `{{G862}}` and **undefiled** `{{G283}}`. It ultimately defines the believer's inheritance as an eternal, pure, and divinely protected possession kept securely in heaven.
TRV