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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Oct 94 min read

Death, Immortality and Incorruptibility

Understanding Immortality and Incorruptibility in the Bible


The Meaning of "Athanasia" and "Aphtharsia"


The Greek word "athanasia" is formed by combining the negative prefix "a-" (meaning "not" or "without") with a form of the word "thanatos," which means "death." Thus, "athanasia" literally means "deathlessness" or "immortality." This term is used in the New Testament to describe the quality of life that is both endless and indestructible. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 15:53-54, Paul speaks of the resurrection when "this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality (athanasia)." This indicates that the life granted to the resurrected saints is not just everlasting but is also free from any possibility of death.


Similarly, the Greek word "aphtharsia," translated as "incorruption," refers to a state that is imperishable or incapable of decay. This word is used in several New Testament passages, such as Romans 2:7 and 1 Corinthians 15:42, where it describes the nature of the resurrected body. The emphasis here is on the transformation from a state of mortality and corruption (subject to decay) to a state of immortality and incorruption, which is imperishable and eternal.



Immortality in the Hebrew Scriptures


The concept of immortality is not explicitly stated in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). The Hebrew Bible does not contain the terms "immortal" or "immortality," which suggests that the idea of inherent immortality is not a central theme in the Old Testament. Instead, the Old Testament emphasizes that Jehovah God is the source of all life and is Himself immortal, not subject to death. For example, Psalm 90:1-2 declares, "Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." This reflects the belief that only God possesses immortality in and of Himself.


Moreover, the Hebrew Scriptures describe human beings (nephesh) as mortal and subject to death. The soul (nephesh) in the Old Testament is often used to refer to the whole person, and it is clear from various passages that human beings are not inherently immortal. For instance, Ezekiel 18:4 states, "The soul who sins shall die." This indicates that the soul, or person, is subject to death, countering the idea of an inherently immortal soul.



The New Testament Revelation of Immortality


While the Old Testament does not explicitly teach the concept of immortality for humans, the New Testament reveals God's purpose to grant immortality to certain individuals. Specifically, this immortality is promised to those who are resurrected to reign with Christ. For example, 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 describes how the perishable must put on the imperishable, and the mortal must put on immortality. This transformation occurs at the resurrection when believers are granted immortal and incorruptible bodies akin to Christ's resurrected body.


The word "akatalytos," meaning "indissoluble" or "indestructible," further emphasizes the nature of this immortal life. Hebrews 7:16 describes Jesus as having the "power of an indestructible life," indicating that His resurrection life is not merely eternal but also incapable of deterioration or destruction. This same quality of life is granted to believers who are resurrected to reign with Christ, as seen in Romans 6:5 and 1 Peter 1:3-4.



Angels and Mortality


Interestingly, while humans who are granted immortality are described as having indestructible life, the Bible indicates that even angels are mortal. This is evident from passages such as Jude 6 and Matthew 25:41, which describe the judgment and punishment of rebellious angels, including Satan. The fact that these spirit beings can be judged and condemned to death suggests that they do not possess inherent immortality. In contrast, the grant of indestructible life to believers who reign with Christ is presented as a special honor and demonstration of God's confidence in them.



The Biblical Concept of Immortality


The interpretation of "athanasia," "aphtharsia," and "akatalytos" in the context of the Bible is accurate and aligns with a conservative Historical-Grammatical interpretation of Scripture. The Bible teaches that immortality is not an inherent quality of the soul or human beings but is a gift from God granted to those who are resurrected to reign with Christ. This immortality is characterized by deathlessness, incorruptibility, and indestructibility, reflecting the eternal nature of the life that God bestows upon His faithful servants. This understanding is consistent with both the Hebrew Scriptures and the Greek New Testament, which emphasize the mortality of humans and the unique grant of immortality through resurrection.



About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).



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