Purity (862) (aphthoria from a = negative + phthartos = corruptible from phthora = destruction, death, shipwreck from phtheiro = to corrupt, destroy, spoil) means literally incorruptible and conveys the idea of not being morally corrupt and vile. The root word phthartos in extra-biblical literature was often used of morally depraved people such as rapists, seducers, and abortionists. Aphthartos refers to the absence of self-seeking and all perverse motives such as deceitfulness and guile. Aphthartos strictly speaking is that which is not subject to corruption and thus describes teaching that is free from error and characterized by soundness and integrity This verse is the only use of aphthoria in the NT. The Greek Textus Receptus uses a different word adiaphthoria - . Incorruptibility, integrity, freedom from corruptible mixtures or adulterations Although Paul does not use the word aphthartos, the following verse conveys the same idea... (contrasting the deceitfulness of the false teachers with his own openness Paul writes) we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. (2Cor 4:2) "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/titus_26-10.htm#purity