Two Greek words are translated immortality:

(1) Athanasia, which Strong defines as “deathlessness.” This word is found in the following scriptures only:

“This mortal must put on immortality [athanasia – deathlessness]” – referring to the first resurrection shared in only by the Church. 1 Cor 15:53

“When this mortal shall have put on immortality [athanasia – deathlessness]” – referring to the same first resurrection of the Church. 1 Cor 15:54

“Who only hath immortality [athanasia – deathlessness]” – referring to our Lord Jesus and excepting the Father from comparison, as always. 1 Tim 6:16

(2) Aphtharsia and aphthartos (from the same root) are rendered immortality twice and immortal once, but would more properly be rendered incorruption and incorruptible, and are generally so rendered by lexicographers. All the occurrences of these words in the Bible follow:

“To those who seek for glory, honor and immortality [aphtharsia – incorruption].” Rom 2:7

“It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption [aphtharsia].” 1 Cor 15:42

“Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption [aphtharsia].” 1 Cor 15:50

“This corruptible must put on incorruption [aphtharsia].” 1 Cor 15:53

“When this corruptible shall have put on incorruption [aphtharsia].” 1 Cor 15:54

“Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity [aphtharsia – incorruptly].” Eph 6:24

“Jesus Christ who hath brought life and immortality [aphtharsia – incorruption] to light through the gospel.” 2 Tim 1:10

“In doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity [aphtharsia – incorruption].” Titus 2:7

“The glory of the uncorruptible [aphthartos – incorruptible] God.” Rom 1:23

“They do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible [aphthartos].” 1 Cor 9:25

“The dead [Church] shall be raised incorruptible [aphthartos].” 1 Cor 15:52

“The King eternal, immortal [aphthartos – incorruptible], the only wise God.” 1 Tim 1:17

“An inheritance incorruptible [aphthartos], undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you.” 1 Pet 1:4

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible [aphthartos].” 1 Pet 1:23

“That which is not corruptible [aphthartos] even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.” 1 Pet 3:4

The thought in this word is – that which cannot corrupt, cannot decay, cannot lose value: aphtharsia is thus in many respects the equivalent of athanasia or deathlessness when applied to sentient beings; for that which having life is death-proof, may truly be styled incorruptible.

Continued with next post.