"invisible, Rom. 1:20; Col. 1:15, 16; 1 Tim. 1:17; Heb. 11:27"
Definition and meaning
invisible, Rom. 1:20; Col. 1:15, 16; 1 Tim. 1:17; Heb. 11:27
In the original Greek the word is written: ἀόρατος
Historical context
Paul wrote Romans from Corinth, one of the most important commercial cities in the empire. Rome had a Jewish population of around 50,000. The letter addresses real tensions between Jewish believers with centuries of Torah tradition and Gentile believers with no such background. Emperor Nero was on the throne. Within ten years he would execute both Paul and Peter.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of aoratos (G517) across the King James Bible.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G517 (aoratos) is a Greek word that means: invisible, Rom. 1:20; Col. 1:15, 16; 1 Tim. 1:17; Heb. 11:27 It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word aoratos (G517) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G517 is aoratos, a Greek word defined as: invisible, Rom. 1:20; Col. 1:15, 16; 1 Tim. 1:17; Heb. 11:27. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
aoratos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.