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G90 · Greek · New Testament
ἀδιαφθορία
adiaphthoria
Noun, feminine
Integrity, incorruptness

Definition

Soundness, purity, freedom from corruption in teaching or character

Full Definition

Adiaphthoria (from a- privative + diaphtheirō, 'to corrupt, destroy') means 'freedom from corruption' — integrity, purity of motive, uncorrupted character. Its single NT occurrence (Titus 2:7) exhorts Titus to show adiaphthoria in his teaching — that his doctrine itself should be uncorrupted, pure, sound. The word speaks both to the content of teaching and the integrity of the teacher.

Usage & Theological Significance

Titus 2:7–8 presents a powerful picture of integrous ministry: 'In your teaching show integrity (adiaphthoria), seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned.' The minister's character and the minister's message must align. There is no adiaphthoria in teaching when the teacher's life contradicts the content. This is why Paul consistently emphasizes character qualifications for leadership (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1) alongside doctrinal ones. Jesus warned that teachers will be judged more strictly (James 3:1). The uncorrupted teacher — one who speaks truth from a pure heart — is a powerful apologetic in itself.

Key Bible Verses

Titus 2:7
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness
Titus 2:8
...and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
2 Corinthians 4:2
Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.
Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
James 3:1
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

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