ἀνέγκλητος
anénklētos
G410 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Not subject to accusation or reproach; unable to be called to account for wrongdoing. In various contexts, denotes one who is free from charge, guilt, or grounds for criticism—thus, 'irreproachable' or 'above reproach'. Used primarily of personal character, especially in relation to the qualifications or reputation of individuals within communities.
Semantic Range
irreproachable, not open to accusation, blameless, unchargeable, unaccused, above reproach, not liable to indictment
Root / Etymology
From the alpha privative (ἀ-, meaning 'not, without') and a verbal adjective derived from ἐγκαλέω ('to bring a charge against, accuse'), thus denoting the absence of being accused. The form is a verbal adjective in -τος, indicating the state or quality of not being accused.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Earliest attestations of ἀνέγκλητος are in Hellenistic and Koine sources. The term is rare in classical Greek but becomes somewhat more common in Hellenistic and early Christian literature, particularly in contexts relating to moral or legal integrity. In the New Testament, it is used mainly in pastoral letters (e.g., 1 Timothy 3:10, Titus 1:6-7) with reference to persons who should be unimpeachable regarding public accusation—typically for communal leaders. While standard English translations often render it as 'blameless' or 'above reproach', the Greek concept places particular emphasis on the lack of justifiable accusation or disqualifying fault, rather than a claim of absolute moral perfection. It is notable that the term refers more to reputation or standing—particularly that which others could reasonably challenge—than to hidden character. Its usage in epistolary and legal contexts stands in contrast with related adjectives like ἄμεμπτος ('without fault', 'blameless'), which can carry a broader moral connotation or relate to personal conduct apart from public accusation.
Translation Consistency
'Blameless' is the most natural, common English rendering for ἀνέγκλητος in typical biblical contexts (not open to accusation, free from reproach). It fits the usual sense in character qualifications and community reputation and is more idiomatic and widely understood than alternatives like 'irreproachable'.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Α (as a negative particle) and a derivative of ἐγκαλέω; unaccused, i.e. (by implication) irreproachable:--blameless.
Root Family
ἀνέγκλητος (anenklētos) — not accused, not called to account, irreproachable, free from charge
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G410-04 |
ἀνεγκλήτους | anegkletous | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
blameless | irreproachable ones | the blameless ones | 2 |
G410-03 |
ἀνέγκλητος | anegkletos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
blameless | free from accusation | free from accusation | 1 |
G410-01 |
ἀνέγκλητοι | anegkletoi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
blameless | irreproachable ones | irreproachable ones | 1 |
G410-02 |
ἀνέγκλητον | anegkleton | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
blameless | irreproachable one | irreproachable one | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G410-04 |
1 Corinthians 1:8 | ἀνεγκλήτους | anegkletous | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
blameless | irreproachable ones | the blameless ones |
G410-04 |
Colossians 1:22 | ἀνεγκλήτους | anegkletous | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
unreproveable | irreproachable ones | the blameless ones |
G410-01 |
1 Timothy 3:10 | ἀνέγκλητοι | anegkletoi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
blameless | irreproachable ones | irreproachable ones |
G410-03 |
Titus 1:6 | ἀνέγκλητος | anegkletos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
blameless | free from accusation | free from accusation |
G410-02 |
Titus 1:7 | ἀνέγκλητον | anegkleton | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
blameless | irreproachable one | irreproachable one |