413. anekleiptos
Lexical Summary
anekleiptos: Unfailing, unceasing

Original Word: ἀνέκλειπτος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: anekleiptos
Pronunciation: ah-neh-KLEIP-tos
Phonetic Spelling: (an-ek'-lipe-tos)
KJV: that faileth not
NASB: unfailing
Word Origin: [from G1 (α - Alpha) (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of G1587 (ἐκλείπω - come to an end)]

1. not left out
2. (by implication) inexhaustible

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
unfailing.

From a (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of ekleipo; not left out, i.e. (by implication) inexhaustible -- that faileth not.

see GREEK a

see GREEK ekleipo

HELPS Word-studies

413 anékleiptos (from 1 /A "not" and 1587 /ekleípō, "to fail") – properly, not left behind, describing what will not give out, cease (fail to perform).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and ekleipó
Definition
unfailing
NASB Translation
unfailing (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 413: ἀνέκλειπτος

ἀνέκλειπτος, ἀνέκλειπτον (alpha privative and ἐκλείπω to fail), unfailing: Luke 12:33. ((Hyperides, p. 58a, Teubner edition); Diodorus 4, 84; 1, 36, cf. 3, 16; Plutarch, de orac. defect., p. 438 d., and in ecclesiastical writings.)

Topical Lexicon
Entry Summary

Strong’s Greek 413 highlights the Lord’s promise of an unfailing, inexhaustible treasure reserved in heaven for those who belong to Him. The term appears once in the New Testament, in Luke 12:33, where Jesus contrasts perishable, earthly wealth with eternal riches that can never diminish.

Biblical Occurrence and Immediate Context

Luke 12:33 records Jesus’ exhortation: “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves purses that will not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.” (Berean Standard Bible). Positioned within a discourse on anxiety and dependence on God (Luke 12:22-34), the phrase “unfailing treasure” underscores that heavenly wealth is immune to decay, theft, and loss. Jesus ties generosity on earth to a secure, inexhaustible deposit in eternity.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Reliability. By describing heavenly treasure as unfailing, Jesus affirms God’s unwavering faithfulness (Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 10:23).
2. Eternal Security. The term echoes the incorruptible inheritance “reserved in heaven” highlighted in 1 Peter 1:4 and the imperishable crown in 1 Corinthians 9:25.
3. Covenant Provision. Scripture consistently portrays God as the source of inexhaustible supply (Psalm 36:8-9; Philippians 4:19). Luke 12:33 anchors that truth in discipleship, demonstrating the Father’s commitment to sustain His children eternally.

Old Testament Background and Parallels

Although the precise Greek word is absent from the Septuagint, several Hebrew concepts anticipate it:
Deuteronomy 33:25 – “As your days, so shall your strength be.”
Proverbs 10:22 – “The blessing of the Lord enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it.”
Malachi 3:10 – The storehouses of heaven that never run dry for the faithful giver.

These passages foreshadow the New Testament assurance of a never-failing treasure.

Historical Usage Outside Scripture

In classical and Hellenistic literature, cognates of ἐκλείπω describe lunar eclipses and dwindling supplies. By prefixing the alpha privative, the New Testament term flips the imagery: that which God grants cannot “eclipse” or fail.

Relation to Jesus’ Teaching on Wealth

Matthew 6:19-21 parallels Luke 12:33, urging disciples to lay up “treasures in heaven.”
Luke 16:9 calls believers to use earthly resources so they are welcomed into “eternal dwellings.”
• Jesus repeatedly frames stewardship as investment in an unassailable divine economy.

Pastoral and Discipleship Applications

1. Generous Living. Believers are encouraged to leverage possessions for kingdom purposes, trusting God for eternal return.
2. Freedom from Anxiety. Awareness of an unfailing treasure releases the grip of material insecurity (Luke 12:22-31).
3. Motivation for Mission. Resources poured into gospel work are never lost; they become everlasting gain (Philippians 4:17).

Comparative New Testament Themes

• “Unfading” (amarantos) crown – 1 Peter 5:4.
• “Unperishable” (aphthartos) inheritance – 1 Peter 1:4.
• “Unsearchable riches of Christ” – Ephesians 3:8.

Together these terms present a tapestry of divine gifts that are immune to corruption, damage, and loss.

Contemporary Ministry Implications

Churches and ministries can confidently call believers to sacrificial generosity, knowing that every earthly relinquishment is credited to an account that cannot decline. Teaching the doctrine of unfailing treasure combats materialism, fosters contentment, and fuels global evangelism.

Conclusion

Strong’s Greek 413 serves as a concise theological jewel: God promises a treasure that will never fail. Rooted in the words of Christ, it reassures the church that heavenly assets are permanently secure, inspiring faith-filled stewardship and unwavering hope.

Forms and Transliterations
ανεκλειπτον ανέκλειπτον ἀνέκλειπτον anekleipton anékleipton
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Luke 12:33 Adj-AMS
GRK: παλαιούμενα θησαυρὸν ἀνέκλειπτον ἐν τοῖς
NAS: which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure
KJV: the heavens that faileth not, where
INT: growing old a treasure unfailing in the

Strong's Greek 413
1 Occurrence


ἀνέκλειπτον — 1 Occ.

412
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