ἀμετανόητος
ametanóētos
G279 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Not capable of or characterized by a change of mind or purpose; not given to repentance or regret; describes a state in which one does not turn away from a course of action or change one's mind. In moral or ethical contexts, denotes a lack of remorse or unwillingness to alter one's conduct or attitude.
Semantic Range
unrepentant, impenitent, unremorseful, resistant to change in mind or behavior, not open to repentance or correction
Root / Etymology
From the privative ἀ- (not) and μετανοέω ('to change one’s mind,' 'to repent'), thus 'not changing one’s mind/repentant.' The formation indicates a state of being in which the process denoted by μετανοέω does not occur.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἀμετανόητος is rare in extant Greek literature, attested in Koine only, notably in Romans 2:5 and Wisdom of Solomon 12:10 (LXX), both times with moral and judicial connotations. In LXX usage, particularly at Wisdom 12:10, it refers to stubbornness in wrongdoing and resistance to correction. The NT instance (Romans 2:5) also denotes an unwillingness to alter one’s sinful conduct, with a focus on a persistent, hardened attitude rather than a particular act. The term is much more negative than a neutral absence of change—implying culpable rigidity or obstinacy. Standard English translations often render it 'impenitent,' but this may obscure the focus on an internal, resolutely unchanged disposition, rather than overt acts. Contrasts with μετανοητός ('capable of repentance') and relates to the semantic field of moral transformation. There is no theological claim embedded in the term itself, but in Hellenistic Jewish and early Christian contexts, 'repentance' is closely associated with turning from sin or error.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Α (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of μετανοέω; unrepentant:--impenitent.
Root Family
ἀμετανόητος (ametanóētos) — not changing one’s mind, unrepentant, impenitent, unremorseful
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G279-01 |
ἀμετανόητον | ametanoeton | ADJ.A ACC F SG |
unrepentant | unrepentant | unrepentant | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G279-01 |
Romans 2:5 | ἀμετανόητον | ametanoeton | ADJ.A ACC F SG |
unrepentant | unrepentant | unrepentant |