### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ἄπταιστος (áptaistos, `{{G679}}`) is a compound word formed from the alpha privative α- (meaning "not" or "un-") and a derivative of the verb πταίω (ptaiō, `{{G4417}}`), which means "to stumble" or "to fall." Therefore, its literal meaning is "not stumbling" or "un-stumbling." Figuratively, and as used in the New Testament, it extends to the moral and spiritual realm, signifying "not falling into sin," "without moral error," or "preserved from stumbling morally." It conveys a sense of security, stability, and blamelessness achieved through divine power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἄπταιστος (áptaistos, `{{G679}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the doxology of Jude's epistle:
* [[Jude 1:24]]: "Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy..."
In this singular occurrence, the word is directly attributed to God's power. It is "He" (God) who is "able to keep you from stumbling" (τοῦ δυναμένου φυλάξαι ὑμᾶς ἀπταίστους). The context is a powerful declaration of God's ability to preserve His people. The phrase ἀπταίστους is paired with the subsequent goal: "and to present you blameless" (καὶ στῆσαι κατενώπιον τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ ἀμώμους, `{{G299}}`). This highlights not only God's protective power in the present but also His ultimate purpose for believers—their blameless presentation before His glorious presence. The emphasis is entirely on divine agency and the security it provides to those who belong to Him.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἄπταιστος (áptaistos, `{{G679}}`) is enhanced by examining related terms and theological concepts:
* πταίω (ptaiō, `{{G4417}}`): The root verb meaning "to stumble, fall, err, sin." This is the direct antonym, emphasizing the negative state that ἄπταιστος negates.
* ἀσφαλής (asphalēs, `{{G804}}`): Secure, safe, firm, not liable to fall. While not directly related etymologically, it shares a semantic field of security and stability.
* ἄμωμος (amōmos, `{{G299}}`): Blameless, without blemish, perfect. This word is used in conjunction with ἄπταιστος in [[Jude 1:24]], underscoring the moral purity and faultlessness that is the ultimate aim of God's preservation.
* Concepts of divine preservation (God's active role in maintaining the faith and conduct of believers), sanctification (the process of being made holy), and the perseverance of the saints (the doctrine that those truly saved will endure to the end by God's power).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἄπταιστος (áptaistos, `{{G679}}`) in [[Jude 1:24]] is profound:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** The primary emphasis is on God's absolute ability ("Him who is able") to keep His people. This is not a human effort but a divine work of preservation. It speaks to God's faithfulness and omnipotence in safeguarding His chosen ones.
2. **Believer's Security:** The word offers immense assurance to believers. Their security is not based on their own strength or perfect performance, but on the unfailing power of God to prevent them from falling away or succumbing to fatal error.
3. **Holiness as God's Goal:** The purpose of being kept "from stumbling" is to be presented "blameless" before God's glory. This highlights God's commitment to the ultimate holiness and glorification of His saints. It is a promise of a perfected state at the eschatological consummation.
4. **Grace and Responsibility:** While emphasizing God's power, it implicitly calls for reliance on that power. Believers are not passive, but their active pursuit of holiness is empowered and sustained by God's preserving grace. The promise of being kept ἄπταιστος is an enablement for righteous living, not an excuse for moral laxity.
### Summary
The Greek word ἄπταιστος (áptaistos, `{{G679}}`) literally means "not stumbling" and figuratively denotes being "without sin" or "preserved from falling." Its singular, yet highly significant, appearance in [[Jude 1:24]] attributes to God the unique ability to keep His people "from stumbling" and to present them "blameless" before His glorious presence. This term underscores God's sovereign power in the preservation and sanctification of believers, offering profound assurance of their security in Him. It highlights that ultimate moral stability and future blamelessness are not achievements of human will, but gifts of divine grace, ensuring the believer's steadfastness until the final presentation before God's glory.
TRV