ἀνεξίκακος (G420) — Greek Lexicon

ἀνεξίκακος

anexíkakos

G420 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Inclined to endure wrongs without retaliation; bearing up patiently under evil or mistreatment. The term denotes the disposition or character of a person who does not seek revenge or react harshly when wronged, but tolerates provocation or offense. In some contexts, it can carry the nuance of not holding resentment and being slow to anger when faced with injurious conduct from others.

Semantic Range

bearing with evil, enduring ill-treatment, patient under provocation, not holding resentment toward those who do wrong, forbearing toward offenders

Root / Etymology

From ἀνέχομαι (to endure, to bear with) and κακός (bad, evil); literally, 'one who bears with evil' or 'endures wrongdoing.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἀνεξίκακος is a rare and distinctly Koine formation, unattested in classical Greek and first appearing in Hellenistic and early Christian texts. In the New Testament (specifically 2 Timothy 2:24), it is presented as a virtue for those in positions of moral or doctrinal instruction, indicating an ability to remain calm and composed when confronted with opposition or hostility. The formation emphasizes a stance of non-retaliation and emotional steadiness. Standard English Bibles often translate this as 'patient' or 'forbearing,' but the Greek term conveys a more specific patience in the face of active wrong or harm by others, not merely general perseverance. It should be distinguished from related terms like μακροθυμία ('longsuffering,' general patience over time) and ὑπομονή ('endurance,' often in the face of difficult circumstances rather than mistreatment). ἀνεξίκακος highlights restraining oneself from negative reactions toward those who do wrong, thus capturing a moral quality of forbearance towards offenders more than passive endurance.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀνέχομαι and κακός; enduring of ill, i.e. forbearing:--patient.

Root Family

ἀνεξίκακος (anexíkakos) — to endure, to bear with; evil, wrongdoing

Root ἀνέχ- (from ἀνέχομαι), κακ- (from κακός) to endure, to tolerate, to bear; evil, badness

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G420-01`	ἀνεξίκακον	anexikakon	`ADJ.S ACC M SG`	patient	an evil-enduring man	patient	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G420-01`	2 Timothy 2:24	ἀνεξίκακον	anexikakon	`ADJ.S ACC M SG`	patient	an evil-enduring man	patient

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