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ἀξίως

axíōs

G516 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

In a manner corresponding to worth or value, suitably, fittingly. Used to indicate that an action is performed in a way that matches the worth, status, or character of a person, office, or subject, or so as to live up to certain standards or expectations. It can refer to conduct, treatment, or response that is appropriate or deserving with respect to someone or something's inherent value or calling.

Semantic Range

worthily, in a fitting manner, in accordance with worth, suitably, appropriately, as deserved, as becomes

Root / Etymology

From ἄξιος ('worthy, deserving'), with the adverbial suffix -ως, forming 'worthily' or 'in a worthy manner.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

First attested in classical Greek (e.g., Xenophon), where ἀξίως is used in secular settings to denote acting or responding in a manner befitting someone's worth or standing. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and the New Testament, it often carries the sense of living, behaving, or being treated in a way that matches one's calling, position, or obligations—for example, to walk ἀξίως τοῦ Θεοῦ ('in a manner worthy of God,' 1 Thess 2:12) or ἀξίως τῆς κλήσεως ('worthy of the calling,' Eph 4:1). In these Jewish and early Christian texts, the adverb retains its moral or ethical dimension, stressing congruence between one's status/identity and one's conduct. English Bible translations typically render it as 'worthily' or 'in a manner worthy of,' but may not always fully convey the emphasis on fitting response or conduct relative to an acknowledged standard. Distinct from similar adverbs like καλῶς ('well, honorably'), which focus more on the quality or excellence of the act rather than its correspondence to a particular standard or worth. The term is consistent across Septuagint and New Testament usage, with no significant narrowing or expansion of meaning.

Translation Consistency

primary "worthily" 6 occurrences

‘Worthily’ directly matches the primary sense of ἀξίως in the SILEX (in accordance with worth; fittingly). It is the most natural and commonly used English rendering in New Testament contexts (e.g., “walk worthily”), so it preserves expected meaning and yields consistent, idiomatic phrasing across all forms.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

adverb from ἄξιος; appropriately:--as becometh, after a godly sort, worthily(-thy).

Root Family

ἄξιος (axios) — worthy, deserving, suitable, corresponding in value

Root ἀξι- to be worthy, to have value, to be appropriate
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G514 ἄξιος worthy

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G516-01 ἀξίως axios ADV worthily worthy worthily 6

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G516-01 Romans 16:2 ἀξίως axios ADV as becometh/worthy worthy worthily
G516-01 Ephesians 4:1 ἀξίως axios ADV worthily worthy worthily
G516-01 Philippians 1:27 ἀξίως axios ADV worthily worthy worthily
G516-01 Colossians 1:10 ἀξίως axios ADV worthily worthy worthily
G516-01 1 Thessalonians 2:12 ἀξίως axios ADV worthily worthy worthily
G516-01 3 John 1:6 ἀξίως axios ADV worthily worthy worthily
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