### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **áphthartos**, represented by `{{G862}}`, means undecaying, incorruptible, or immortal. It is formed from a negative particle combined with a word for decay, fundamentally signifying that which is not subject to corruption. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses**, highlighting its specific and significant use in describing divine and eternal qualities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G862}}` is used to contrast the eternal nature of God and His promises with the perishable nature of the created world. Paul uses it to describe the **uncorruptible** God, whose glory was exchanged by humanity for images of corruptible things like man and animals [[Romans 1:23]]. It describes the future state of believers, who will be raised **incorruptible** at the last trumpet [[1 Corinthians 15:52]]. The word also characterizes the nature of God himself, who is hailed as the King eternal and **immortal** [[1 Timothy 1:17]]. Peter uses it to describe the believer's inheritance, which is **incorruptible** and reserved in heaven [[1 Peter 1:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of **áphthartos**:
* `{{G5349}}` **phthartós** (corruptible): This is the direct antonym of `{{G862}}`. It is often used in direct contrast to describe temporary things, such as a **corruptible** crown that athletes strive for, versus the **incorruptible** one for believers [[1 Corinthians 9:25]], or the **corruptible** seed from which humans are naturally born [[1 Peter 1:23]].
* `{{G1391}}` **dóxa** (glory): This word is closely associated with `{{G862}}`. In [[Romans 1:23]], it is the "**glory** of the uncorruptible God" that was exchanged. In [[1 Timothy 1:17]], **glory** is given to the immortal King.
* `{{G1453}}` **egeírō** (to raise): This term connects the concept of incorruptibility to the resurrection. In [[1 Corinthians 15:52]], the dead are "**raised**" `{{G1453}}` incorruptible `{{G862}}`.
* `{{G2817}}` **klēronomía** (inheritance): The eternal security of the believer's reward is emphasized by describing their **inheritance** as incorruptible `{{G862}}` [[1 Peter 1:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G862}}` is significant, establishing a clear distinction between the temporal and the eternal.
* **The Nature of God:** The word affirms that God is essentially **immortal** [[1 Timothy 1:17]] and **uncorruptible** [[Romans 1:23]], defining a core aspect of His divine being that is unchanging and not subject to decay.
* **The Believer's Hope:** The promise of resurrection is for a body that is **incorruptible** [[1 Corinthians 15:52]], a transformation from a perishable state to an eternal one. This hope extends to our heavenly **inheritance** [[1 Peter 1:4]] and the eternal **crown** [[1 Corinthians 9:25]] that awaits believers.
* **The Source of New Life:** Believers are born again from an **incorruptible** `{{G862}}` seed, which is the living and abiding word of God, as opposed to a **corruptible** `{{G5349}}` physical origin [[1 Peter 1:23]].
* **The Inner Person:** The quality of a meek and quiet spirit is described as an ornament that is **not corruptible**, which is of great price in the sight of God [[1 Peter 3:4]], applying this eternal quality to the believer's inner character.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G862}}` **áphthartos** is a crucial term that defines the undecaying, immortal nature of God, the eternal inheritance and resurrection body promised to believers, and the spiritual life that flows from God's eternal word. It consistently draws a line between the perishable things of this world and the permanent, unchanging reality of God's kingdom.
TRV