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G676 · Greek · New Testament
ἀπρόσιτος
Aprositos
Adjective
Unapproachable / inaccessible

Definition

The Greek aprositos means unapproachable or inaccessible — that which cannot be approached or accessed. It combines a (negative prefix) with prositos (approachable), forming a word of absolute inaccessibility.

Usage & Theological Significance

Aprositos appears once in the New Testament in 1 Timothy 6:16, describing the light in which God dwells — phos oikón aprositos — 'unapproachable light.' This is one of the Bible's most striking affirmations of divine transcendence. God in His essential being is beyond human approach. No one has seen or can see Him (1 Timothy 6:16). Yet this same God, in Christ, has bridged the gap — the veil torn at the cross (Matthew 27:51) opened the way into the holy of holies (Hebrews 10:19-20). The aprositos God became accessible through the incarnation and atonement.

Key Bible Verses

1 Timothy 6:16 Who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.
Exodus 33:20 But he said, 'You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.'
Isaiah 6:5 'Woe to me!' I cried. 'I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.'
Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.
John 1:18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

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