ἀγράμματος – Pronunciation Guide: ah-GRAM-mah-tos
Basic Definition
Strong’s G62: Unlettered, illiterate, or without formal education. This compound word literally means “without letters” or “without writings,” referring to someone who lacks formal academic training, particularly in religious law and literature.
Word Study
- Part of Speech: Adjective
- Origin: Compound of ἀ- (a-, negative prefix) + γράμμα (gramma, “letter, writing”)
Morphology:
- ἀγράμματος – nominative singular masculine/feminine (unlettered, illiterate)
- ἀγράμματοι – nominative plural masculine (unlettered ones)
- ἀγραμμάτου – genitive singular (of the unlettered one)
Word Origin & History
The term ἀγράμματος emerged from classical Greek society where literacy and education were highly valued markers of social status. In ancient Athens, it was used to describe those who couldn’t read or write, but more specifically, those who lacked formal education in rhetoric, philosophy, and literature.
In Hellenistic Judaism, this word took on additional nuance, often referring specifically to those untrained in the Torah and rabbinic traditions, regardless of their general literacy level.
Biblical Usage
In the New Testament, ἀγράμματος appears most notably in Acts 4:13, where the Jewish leaders marvel that Peter and John, though being “unlettered,” speak with such authority about Scripture. This doesn’t necessarily mean they couldn’t read or write, but rather that they lacked formal rabbinic training.
Key Passages:
- Acts 4:13 – The religious leaders recognize Peter and John as ἀγράμματοι yet are amazed by their boldness
- John 7:15 – Similar amazement at Jesus’ teaching despite being “unlettered”
Cultural Insights
In first-century Jewish society, formal education typically began at age five with Torah study. By age thirteen, promising students would continue their education under a rabbi, while others would learn a trade. Being labeled ἀγράμματος carried significant social stigma in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts, making the apostles’ effective ministry all the more remarkable.
Theological Significance
The use of ἀγράμματος in describing the apostles powerfully demonstrates God’s pattern of using the seemingly unqualified to accomplish His purposes. This reflects the principle found in 1 Corinthians 1:27, where God chooses the foolish things to shame the wise.
This term serves as a reminder that God’s power is not dependent on human credentials or capabilities. The transformation of “unlettered” fishermen into powerful preachers of the gospel highlights the supernatural empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Personal Application
When we feel inadequate or underprepared for God’s calling, the example of the ἀγράμματοι apostles reminds us that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. Our lack of conventional qualifications may actually position us to better display His glory.
Related Words
- ἰδιώτης (idiōtēs) – unskilled, common person – See G2399
- σοφός (sophos) – wise, learned – See G4680
- γραμματεύς (grammateus) – scribe, religious scholar – See G1122
Did You Know?
- The term ἀγράμματος was sometimes used positively in Greek philosophy to describe those uncorrupted by sophisticated but misleading education
- Modern Greek still uses αγράμματος to mean “illiterate” or “uneducated”
- The word appears in ancient papyri as a legal term identifying those who needed scribes to write for them
Remember This
God delights in using the ἀγράμματος – the unlettered and unlikely – to showcase His extraordinary power and wisdom.
