ἀτάκτως
atáktōs
G814 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
In a disorderly, undisciplined, or unruly manner; behaving or operating without regularity, order, or adherence to expected norms, especially in the context of communal or social expectations. In certain contexts, it may also carry the sense of being idle or neglecting one's duty within a group.
Semantic Range
in a disorderly manner, unruly, undisciplined, not in accordance with communal order, neglecting duties, idle or loafing (in a communal/social context)
Root / Etymology
Adverbial form derived from ἄτακτος (ataktos), itself from ἀ- (a-, 'not') + τάσσω (tassō, 'to arrange, to set in order'), meaning 'not arranged,' 'out of order.' Thus, ἀτάκτως literally means 'in a disorderly way.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The adverb ἀτάκτως is found in Hellenistic and Koine texts, notably in 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 11, where it describes individuals behaving 'disorderly' within the community, commonly associated with idleness or the refusal to work according to social expectations. The term does not refer narrowly to moral depravity but to lack of discipline, order, or responsible conduct in communal, military, or civic life. In military or social settings, it might denote failure to remain in formation or neglecting communal obligations. Classical Greek used related forms (e.g., ἄτακτος) to denote disorder in both civil and military contexts. English translations often render the term as 'disorderly,' 'unruly,' or 'idle,' but this can obscure the nuance of neglecting communal norms or responsibilities rather than overt moral failing.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from ἄτακτος, irregularly (morally):--disorderly.
Root Family
ἀτακτ- (atáktōs) — not arranged, disorderly, unruly
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G814-01 |
ἀτάκτως | ataktos | ADV |
disorderly | in a disorderly manner | in a disorderly manner | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G814-01 |
2 Thessalonians 3:6 | ἀτάκτως | ataktos | ADV |
disorderly | in a disorderly manner | in a disorderly manner |
G814-01 |
2 Thessalonians 3:11 | ἀτάκτως | ataktos | ADV |
disorderly | in a disorderly manner | in a disorderly manner |