ἀναξίως
anaxíōs
G371 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
In a manner that is not fitting, appropriate, or worthy; improperly, not in accordance with what is due or deserved, often used in the context of ritual, moral, or social standards. The term highlights actions performed without the requisite worthiness, respect, or suitability for the context or object in view. In the New Testament, especially used of ritual or communal actions done without proper regard or attitude (e.g., participation in communal meals).
Semantic Range
in an unworthy manner, inappropriately, without proper respect, not suitably, irreverently, in violation of communal or ritual expectation
Root / Etymology
Adverbial form derived from ἀνάξιος (unworthy, not deserving), itself formed from the prefix ἀν- (not) and ἄξιος (worthy, deserving, fitting).
Historical & Contextual Notes
Earliest attestations in Hellenistic Greek, with sparse usage in extant literature. The term is rare in both secular and biblical sources, but its usage in the New Testament (notably 1 Corinthians 11:27,29) refers to participation in communal rituals, such as the Lord's Supper, in a manner not befitting the practice—without proper discernment or respect. The concept parallels broader Greek ethical uses of 'worthiness' and 'fittingness,' and so carries a sense of violating or disregarding communal expectations, not only personal piety. English translations often render as 'unworthily,' which may obscure the term's relational and communal implications. The word develops from the general Greek concept of ἄξιος (worthy) and its negative form, ἀνάξιος, applied adverbially to emphasize manner rather than inherent status. Comparable to terms expressing improper ritual conduct in both Greek and Israelite/Judean traditions.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from ἀνάξιος; irreverently:--unworthily.
Root Family
ἀναξίως (anaxíōs) — not worthy, improper, undeserving
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G371-01 |
ἀναξίως | anaxios | ADV |
unworthily | unworthily | unworthily | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G371-01 |
1 Corinthians 11:27 | ἀναξίως | anaxios | ADV |
unworthily | unworthily | unworthily |