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ἀνάξιος

anáxios

G370 predicate adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Primarily denotes 'not worthy' or 'not deserving', indicating a lack of suitability, fitness, or merit in a moral, social, or ritual sense. The term can describe a person, action, or thing judged as failing to meet a particular standard or expectation and therefore not entitled to a certain honor, responsibility, or benefit. In various contexts, can also convey the sense of being not adequate, unsuitable, or not qualified for something.

Semantic Range

unworthy, unfit, undeserving, not entitled, unsuitable, not qualified, lacking merit

Root / Etymology

From ἀ- (a-, negative particle indicating negation) + ἄξιος (worthy, deserving). The prefix ἀ- attaches to adjectival roots to form antonyms in Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἀνάξιος is found in classical Greek literature and continues through Hellenistic and Koine periods. Its basic sense of unworthiness or unsuitability remains stable, though context shapes nuances—such as a lack of moral desert, social standing, or ritual fitness. In the New Testament and related Koine writings, ἀνάξιος often reflects questions of moral worthiness or fitness for ritual participation (e.g., receiving the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:27, though a related term is used there). The word contrasts with ἄξιος ('worthy'), which often implies positive qualities or entitlement. Standard English translations as 'unworthy' or 'unfit' generally reproduce the core sense, but may miss context-specific nuances—such as emphasis on ritual or social standards versus intrinsic value. Its use is less frequent than the positive form ἄξιος and appears mostly in moral or evaluative contexts rather than technical or specialized vocabulary.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from Α (as a negative particle) and ἄξιος; unfit:--unworthy.

Root Family

ἀνάξιος (anaxios) — worthy, deserving, fit (negated: not worthy, not fit)

Root ἀξι- worthy, deserving, fit

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G370-01 ἀνάξιοί anaxioi ADJ.P NOM M PL unworthy unworthy ones unworthy ones 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G370-01 1 Corinthians 6:2 ἀνάξιοί anaxioi ADJ.P NOM M PL unworthy unworthy ones unworthy ones
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