ἀνέκλειπτος

unfailing

Definition

The adjective ἀνέκλειπτος means 'unfailing,' 'inexhaustible,' or 'not running out.' It describes something that does not fail, diminish, or come to an end. In its single New Testament occurrence in Luke 12:33, it modifies 'treasure in the heavens,' emphasizing the permanent, secure, and limitless nature of heavenly rewards in contrast to earthly possessions. The word carries a strong sense of enduring abundance and reliability.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 12:33. Jesus instructs his disciples to sell their possessions, give to the needy, and thus provide for themselves 'a treasure in the heavens that does not fail (ἀνέκλειπτος).' It is used in a financial/metaphorical context to contrast the security of heavenly investment with the vulnerability of earthly wealth.

Etymology

Derived from the alpha-privative prefix ἀν- (meaning 'not' or 'without') and the root ἐκλεῖπω (ekleipō), which means 'to fail,' 'to run out,' or 'to leave off.' The root is related to the noun ἔκλειψις (ekleipsis, 'a failing' or 'eclipse'). Thus, ἀνέκλειπτος literally means 'not failing' or 'not running dry.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores the nature of God's kingdom and the believer's eternal inheritance. It highlights the absolute security and permanence of the spiritual treasures promised by God, which stand in stark contrast to the temporary and perishable nature of earthly wealth. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of Luke 12:33 by emphasizing that the believer's ultimate security is in a provision that can never be exhausted, diminished, or stolen, reinforcing the call to radical trust and generosity.

In a first-century agrarian society vulnerable to famine, theft, and economic instability, the idea of an 'unfailing' treasure would have been powerfully counter-cultural. Ordinary people understood wealth as something that could easily 'run out' or be lost. Jesus uses this term to redefine security, moving it from the precarious material realm to the assured spiritual realm.

ἄφθαρτος (aphthartos, G862) — emphasizes incorruptibility, not decaying. ἀμίαντος (amiantos, G283) — emphasizes purity, undefiled. πλοῦτος (ploutos, G4149) — a more general term for wealth or riches.

Word Details

Scripture References