Pronunciation Guide: ah-than-ah-SEE-ah

Basic Definition

Strong’s G110: ἀθανασία describes the state of deathlessness or immortality. It represents the quality of being incapable of dying, particularly referring to the divine nature of God and the transformed state believers will receive in their glorified bodies. This term emphasizes both the eternal nature of God and the promised immortality awaiting believers.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Compound word: ἀ- (negative prefix) + θάνατος (death)
• Primary usage in teaching and doctrinal passages
• Classical Greek origin
• Abstract noun denoting a state or quality

ἀθανασία Morphology:

• ἀθανασία (nominative singular) – immortality
• ἀθανασίας (genitive singular) – of immortality
• ἀθανασίᾳ (dative singular) – in/with immortality

Origin & History

The term ἀθανασία has deep roots in classical Greek philosophy and literature. Plato frequently used this word in his “Phaedo” when discussing the immortality of the soul. In Aristotle’s “De Anima,” the concept of ἀθανασία is explored in relation to the eternal nature of the divine mind.

The word carried significant weight in Hellenistic philosophy, where it often described the divine attribute of the gods. However, biblical usage transformed its meaning from a philosophical concept to a concrete promise of eternal life through the Messiah Jesus.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The state of being immune from death
• The quality of endless existence
• Divine immortality as an essential attribute
• The future state of the glorified body

ἀθανασία Translation Options:

• “Immortality” – Most direct equivalent, emphasizing the state of deathlessness
• “Incorruptibility” – Highlighting the quality of being beyond decay
• “Eternal life” – When context emphasizes the ongoing nature of existence
• “Deathlessness” – Literal rendering of the compound meaning

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀθανασία appears only three times, each instance carrying profound theological significance. Its first appearance in 1 Corinthians 15:53 connects it directly to the resurrection body, emphasizing the transformation believers will undergo.

The word plays a crucial role in Paul’s teachings about the nature of God and the future state of believers. It represents not just continuing existence but a qualitatively different kind of life that transcends physical death.

• “For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality [ἀθανασίαν].” 1 Corinthians 15:53
• “When this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality [ἀθανασίαν].” 1 Corinthians 15:54
• “Who alone possesses immortality [ἀθανασίαν].” 1 Timothy 6:16

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, ἀθανασία was often associated with the realm of the gods and heroes. The concept played a central role in mystery religions where initiates sought immortality through secret rites. The biblical usage deliberately contrasts with these pagan concepts by presenting immortality as God’s gift rather than human achievement.

This understanding would have been particularly striking to first-century readers familiar with Greek philosophical traditions, where immortality was often viewed as an inherent quality of the soul rather than a divine gift bestowed through resurrection.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀθανασία in Scripture reveals profound truths about God’s nature and His plans for humanity. It emphasizes that true immortality belongs to God alone as an essential attribute, highlighting His sovereign power over life and death.

The promise of ἀθανασία for believers demonstrates God’s incredible grace in sharing His divine nature with His children. This gift of immortality through the Messiah Jesus represents not just endless existence but participation in the very life of God, transforming our mortal nature into an imperishable state.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀθανασία challenges believers to live in light of their eternal destiny. This promise of immortality should transform our perspective on current trials and suffering, knowing that our present mortal state is temporary.

This truth should inspire holy living and eternal mindedness, recognizing that we are being prepared for an immortal existence that will never end. It provides comfort in the face of death and motivation to invest in eternal rather than temporary pursuits.

Related Words

• ἄφθαρτος (aphthartos) – imperishable, incorruptible, immortal See G862
• ζωή (zōē) – life, especially divine life See G2222
• αἰώνιος (aiōnios) – eternal, everlasting See G166
• ἀφθαρσία (aphtharsia) – incorruptibility, immortality See G861

Did you Know?

• The word ἀθανασία appears in ancient Greek magical papyri where magicians sought immortality through occult practices, making the biblical usage as God’s gift even more striking.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀθανασία in scientific contexts, particularly in biology when discussing potentially immortal organisms like certain jellyfish species.
• The concept of ἀθανασία influenced early Christian art, where the phoenix became a symbol of resurrection and immortality, drawing on both Greek and Egyptian traditions while reinterpreting them through a biblical lens.

Remember This

ἀθανασία represents not merely endless existence but the glorious transformation of our entire being into the immortal nature that God alone possessed from eternity.