ἀνεκδιήγητος
anekdiḗgētos
G411 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Impossible to fully describe or relate; that which cannot be put into words or exhaustively explained. Primarily used to indicate something so extraordinary or transcendent that it exceeds the capacity for detailed expression or narration. Also suggests the concept of ineffability or inexpressibility in particular contexts.
Semantic Range
indescribable, unable to be fully related, beyond expression in words, ineffable
Root / Etymology
Compound from the privative alpha (ἀ-) "not" and ἐκδιηγήομαι (to narrate in detail, recount fully); thus, literally "not able to be related in full" or "unable to be thoroughly narrated." The term is formed on the model of classical descriptive compounds, though ἀνεκδιήγητος is rare and occurs mainly in later Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
First attested in post-classical Greek, including Jewish-Hellenistic and early Christian usage. The word is extremely rare, appearing once in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 9:15) and very infrequently elsewhere, used in contexts to designate something of such greatness or extraordinariness that it defies comprehensive description or exhaustive narration. In 2 Corinthians 9:15, the term is applied to the 'gift' of God, emphasizing its surpassing value and unutterable character. Standard English renderings (e.g. 'unspeakable,' 'inexpressible,' 'indescribable') attempt to capture the sense that the referent cannot be adequately conveyed in human language. The formation models similar adjectives that use the negative alpha and verbal derivatives, paralleling terms like ἀνεξιχνίαστος (unfathomable).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Α (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of ἐκδιηγέομαι; not expounded in full, i.e. indescribable:--unspeakable.
Root Family
ἀνεκδιήγητος (anekdiēgētos) — unable to be fully narrated, indescribable, beyond detailed recounting, ineffable
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G411-01 |
ἀνεκδιηγήτῳ | anekdiegeto | ADJ.S DAT F SG |
indescribable | to the indescribable | indescribable | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G411-01 |
2 Corinthians 9:15 | ἀνεκδιηγήτῳ | anekdiegeto | ADJ.S DAT F SG |
indescribable | to the indescribable | indescribable |