Pronunciation Guide: ah-dee-AH-kree-tos
Basic Definition
Strong’s G87: Without uncertainty, unwavering, undivided, or without partiality. This rare New Testament word appears only once and describes the pure, undivided nature of heavenly wisdom that demonstrates no duplicity or wavering.
Etymology and Morphology
- Part of Speech: Adjective
- Root Word: From ἀ- (negative prefix) + διακρίνω (diakrinō, “to distinguish, judge between”)
- Language Origin: Koine Greek
- Primary Usage: Teaching/Wisdom Literature
Word Morphology:
- ἀδιάκριτος (nominative singular) – unwavering/impartial
- ἀδιακρίτου (genitive singular) – of the unwavering/impartial
- ἀδιακρίτῳ (dative singular) – in/with the unwavering/impartial
Word Origin & History
The word ἀδιάκριτος combines the negative prefix ἀ- with the verb διακρίνω, which means to make a distinction or to judge between things. In classical Greek literature, particularly in Plutarch’s “Moralia,” the term was used to describe decisions made without vacillation or internal conflict.
The compound structure reflects a common pattern in Greek philosophical writings where the alpha-privative negates a quality, in this case, the act of making distinctions or showing partiality. This construction emphasizes the complete absence of the negated quality.
Expanded Definitions & Translation Options
- Without discrimination or partiality
- Unwavering, without inner conflict
- Genuine, sincere, undivided in purpose
Translation Options:
- “Unwavering” – Emphasizes the steadfast, uncompromising nature of wisdom
- “Without partiality” – Highlights the impartial, unbiased aspect
- “Undivided” – Stresses the pure, unmixed quality
Biblical Usage
The sole New Testament occurrence of ἀδιάκριτος appears in James 3:17, where it describes the nature of wisdom from above. This usage is particularly significant as it appears within James’s larger discourse on true wisdom versus earthly wisdom. The context emphasizes that genuine heavenly wisdom manifests in pure, peaceful, and consistent behavior without inner contradictions or showing favoritism.
- James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, ἀδιάκριτος [unwavering], without hypocrisy.”
Cultural Insights
In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of being ἀδιάκριτος was highly valued in philosophical discourse. The Stoics particularly emphasized the importance of maintaining unwavering conviction in one’s principles. This cultural background illuminates James’s use of the term to describe divine wisdom that remains consistent and pure, unlike the fluctuating nature of human wisdom.
The term also carried significant weight in legal contexts, where judges were expected to render decisions without partiality. This judicial connection would have resonated with James’s audience, many of whom were familiar with both Jewish and Roman legal systems.
Theological Significance
The use of ἀδιάκριτος in describing heavenly wisdom reveals a profound truth about God’s character. Unlike human wisdom which often wavers and shows partiality, God’s wisdom remains constant and pure. This reflects His immutable nature and perfect justice.
This characteristic of divine wisdom stands in stark contrast to the double-minded person described earlier in James, who is “unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). The wisdom from above transforms believers to reflect this same quality of unwavering faithfulness and impartiality in their own lives.
Personal Application
When we seek wisdom from above, we should expect it to manifest in our lives as consistency and impartiality. This challenges us to examine our decision-making processes: Are we wavering between different standards based on circumstances or relationships? Are we showing favoritism in our judgments?
True wisdom from God produces steadfast conviction and impartial love toward all people, regardless of their status or what they can offer us in return.
Related Words
- διακρίνω (diakrinō) [dee-ah-KREE-no] – to discriminate, judge between. See G1252
- ἀπρόσωπος (aprosōpos) [ah-PROS-oh-pos] – impartial, without respect of persons. See G677
- ἀμετάθετος (ametathetos) [ah-met-ATH-eh-tos] – unchangeable, immutable. See G276
- βέβαιος (bebaios) [beb-AH-yos] – firm, stable, sure. See G949
- ἀληθής (alēthēs) [al-ay-THACE] – true, genuine, without deception. See G227
Did you Know?
- The concept of ἀδιάκριτος in ancient Greek medicine referred to symptoms that were “undifferentiated” or clear in their presentation, showing how the word conveyed clarity and distinctness in various contexts.
- In early Christian writings outside the New Testament, ἀδιάκριτος was often used to describe the unwavering faith of martyrs who remained steadfast in their convictions despite persecution.
- The word’s opposite, διάκρισις (diakrisis), was a key term in ancient philosophical debates about the nature of judgment and decision-making, highlighting how significant the concept of unwavering wisdom was in ancient thought.
Remember This
Divine wisdom manifests as unwavering truth that knows no partiality, reflecting the pure and constant nature of our unchanging God.
