from a derivative of a compound of Α (as a negative particle) and a derivative of διαφθείρω; incorruptibleness, i.e. (figuratively) purity (of doctrine):--uncorruptness.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἀδιαφθορία (adiaphthoría, `{{G90}}`) is a compound word rich in meaning, derived from the alpha privative (ἀ-), signifying negation, and a derivative of the verb διαφθείρω (diaphtheirō, "to corrupt, destroy, spoil"). Its literal sense, therefore, is "non-corruption," "incorruptibility," or "indestructibility." This primary meaning denotes a state of being impervious to decay, ruin, or moral degradation.
Semantically, ἀδιαφθορία extends beyond mere physical imperishability to encompass moral and intellectual purity. When applied to doctrine or teaching, as is its singular usage in the New Testament, it signifies an unadulterated, unblemished, and uncompromised quality. It speaks to the integrity and soundness of the message, ensuring it is free from error, distortion, or the corrupting influences of human philosophy or deceit. It implies a steadfast adherence to truth that resists any form of deterioration or dilution.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀδιαφθορία (adiaphthoría, `{{G90}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Epistle to Titus:
* **[[Titus 2:7]]**: "in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing incorruptness, gravity, sincerity." (KJV, with "uncorruptness" for ἀδιαφθορία)
In this passage, Paul instructs Titus, a young leader in the church on Crete, on the qualities essential for effective leadership and teaching. The phrase "in doctrine showing incorruptness" (ἐν τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ ἀδιαφθορίαν) is a direct command regarding the nature of Titus's teaching. It is not merely the content of the doctrine that is important, but its intrinsic quality. Titus's teaching must be characterized by:
1. **Incorruptness (ἀδιαφθορία):** This implies that the teaching must be pure, unadulterated, and free from any form of error or compromise. It must not be diluted by worldly wisdom or corrupted by false doctrine, which was a significant problem on Crete (cf. [[Titus 1:10-16]]). It speaks to the integrity and soundness of the message itself.
2. **Gravity (σεμνότης, semnotēs):** Suggests seriousness, dignity, and reverence. The teaching should be weighty and command respect, reflecting the solemnity of divine truth.
3. **Sincerity (ἀφθαρσία, aphtharsia):** While some manuscripts for [[Titus 2:7]] have ἀφθαρσία ("incorruptibility," "immortality," `{{G86}}`), others have λόγον ὑγιῆ ἀκατάγνωστον ("sound speech that cannot be condemned"). Regardless of the textual variant, the overall thrust emphasizes the unblemished and defensible nature of the teaching. If ἀφθαρσία is present, it reinforces the idea of imperishability, aligning closely with ἀδιαφθορία.
The context of [[Titus 2:7]] underscores the critical importance of pure doctrine for the spiritual health of the community. Titus's life and teaching were to serve as an exemplary pattern, ensuring that the message of the gospel remained untainted and powerful. The incorruptness of his doctrine would prevent opponents from finding anything to criticize, thereby honoring God and the truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἀδιαφθορία is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **διαφθείρω (diaphtheirō, `{{G1311}}`):** The root verb meaning "to corrupt, destroy, spoil, ruin." Its negation highlights what ἀδιαφθορία *is not*—it is not something subject to decay or moral degradation.
* **φθορά (phthora, `{{G5356}}`):** The noun form of the root, meaning "corruption, decay, destruction, ruin." This term is often used for physical decay or moral depravity. ἀδιαφθορία is the antithesis of φθορά.
* **ἀφθαρσία (aphtharsia, `{{G86}}`):** "Incorruptibility, immortality, imperishableness." This word is closely related semantically to ἀδιαφθορία. While both denote a state of being free from corruption, ἀφθαρσία often refers to an ontological or physical state of imperishability (e.g., the resurrected body, divine nature), whereas ἀδιαφθορία, in its New Testament usage, specifically points to the *purity and integrity of doctrine or teaching*. The distinction is subtle but important: ἀφθαρσία is about being inherently imperishable, while ἀδιαφθορία is about being uncorrupted or unadulterated, particularly in a moral or intellectual sense.
* **Truth (ἀλήθεια, alētheia, `{{G225}}`):** Incorrupt doctrine is inherently truthful. The concept of ἀδιαφθορία in teaching aligns perfectly with the pursuit and proclamation of unvarnished truth.
* **Soundness (ὑγιής, hygiēs, `{{G5198}}`):** Often used in the Pastoral Epistles to describe "sound doctrine" (e.g., [[Titus 1:9]], [[Titus 2:1]]). "Soundness" implies health and wholesomeness, a conceptual overlap with "incorruptness," as both oppose what is sick, diseased, or corrupted.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of ἀδιαφθορία in the New Testament carries profound theological weight, particularly for the nature of divine revelation and its transmission:
1. **The Purity of Divine Revelation:** The command for "incorruptness in doctrine" underscores the belief that God's truth is inherently pure and uncorruptible. It is not subject to human whims or the passage of time. Any attempt to alter or dilute this truth is a serious theological offense.
2. **The Integrity of the Gospel Message:** The gospel is not merely a set of ideas but a life-transforming message. Its power lies in its unadulterated nature. Corrupting the doctrine undermines its efficacy and distorts the very nature of God's redemptive plan. This calls for vigilant guardianship against false teaching and theological compromise.
3. **The Character of the Teacher:** The instruction in [[Titus 2:7]] links the incorruptness of doctrine directly to the character and example of the teacher. A leader's life must embody the purity of the message they proclaim. Hypocrisy or moral compromise can taint the reception of even pure doctrine. The teacher's integrity is a testament to the integrity of the truth.
4. **Maintaining Orthodoxy:** In an environment where false teachers were prevalent (as in Crete, [[Titus 1:10-16]]), ἀδιαφθορία serves as a theological bulwark against heresy. It stresses the necessity of maintaining doctrinal purity for the spiritual health and stability of the church. This concept is foundational for the ongoing task of theological discernment and apologetics.
5. **Spiritual Health and Growth:** Just as physical health depends on uncorrupted food, spiritual health depends on uncorrupted doctrine. Pure teaching nourishes the soul, strengthens faith, and guides believers into righteous living, whereas corrupted teaching leads to spiritual decay and moral compromise.
### Summary
The Greek term ἀδιαφθορία (adiaphthoría, `{{G90}}`) signifies "incorruptibility" or "purity," stemming from its etymological root of negation of corruption. Its sole occurrence in the New Testament in [[Titus 2:7]] is profoundly significant, where it describes the essential quality of Christian "doctrine." Here, it mandates that the teaching of God's truth must be unadulterated, free from error, compromise, or any form of decay. This concept highlights the divine origin and inherent purity of the gospel message, emphasizing the critical responsibility of church leaders like Titus to maintain its integrity. The call for ἀδιαφθορία in doctrine is a timeless imperative for all who handle God's Word, ensuring that the truth remains pure, powerful, and effective for the spiritual nourishment and growth of believers.
TRV