ἀναπολόγητος
anapológētos
G379 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Not able to offer a defense or justification; having no grounds for excuse or self-justification. Denotes the state of being without any valid defense or response when called to account for one’s actions or beliefs, particularly in a judicial, ethical, or rhetorical context. In the broader sense, applies to those who cannot offer a reasonable explanation or justification.
Semantic Range
without excuse, unable to defend oneself, inexcusable, undefendable, incapable of self-justification
Root / Etymology
Formed from the prefix ἀν- (negating particle, ‘not’) and the adjective ἀπολόγητος (from ἀπολογέομαι, ‘to defend oneself, to make a defense’). Thus, ‘without defense’ or ‘unable to defend oneself.’
Historical & Contextual Notes
First attested in Hellenistic and late Koine Greek. The term occurs within rhetorical and judicial settings and is used in the Septuagint and New Testament to denote being without excuse before a judge or a higher authority (human or divine). Its usage in Romans 1:20 and 2:1 specifically refers to being without a legitimate defense in the context of moral or ethical accountability. English translations often render the term 'inexcusable' or 'without excuse,' but the original word carries the sense of being unable to offer a formal response or justification, aligning closely with forensic language. Related to ἀπολογία (apology, formal defense), but with the negating prefix implying the impossibility of such a defense. There is no significant difference in meaning between LXX, NT, and other contemporary Greek sources; the term is rare outside biblical writings.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Α (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of ἀπολογέομαι; indefensible:--without an excuse, inexcusable.
Root Family
ἀναπολόγητος (anapologētos) — without defense, unable to justify oneself, indefensible
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G379-02 |
ἀναπολογήτους | anapologetous | ADJ.P ACC M PL |
without excuse | without defense | without defense | 1 |
G379-01 |
ἀναπολόγητος | anapologetos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
inexcusable | without self-defense | without self-defense | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G379-02 |
Romans 1:20 | ἀναπολογήτους | anapologetous | ADJ.P ACC M PL |
without excuse | without defense | without defense |
G379-01 |
Romans 2:1 | ἀναπολόγητος | anapologetos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
inexcusable | without self-defense | without self-defense |