ἀδόκιμος
adókimos
G96 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Not standing a test, failing to meet a required standard; hence, not approved, rejected as unqualified. The term denotes someone or something judged as not meeting expected criteria, whether in a practical, ethical, or figurative context. In moral or evaluative contexts, it may signify being found incapable, unworthy, or disqualified based on examination or proof.
Semantic Range
not qualifying, rejected, failing the test, disqualified, unfit, unapproved, worthless, not proven, untrustworthy
Root / Etymology
From the prefix ἀ- (a-, negative particle meaning 'not') and δόκιμος (dokimos, 'approved, tested, genuine'). The compound thus means 'not approved' or 'unqualified.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἀδόκιμος emerged in classical Greek with the sense of 'not accepted' or 'unfit' (e.g., in military or social evaluations). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, it retains the sense of failing to stand the test, whether literal (metals, coinage, service) or figurative (character, faithfulness, utility). In the Septuagint and New Testament, its primary focus is on evaluative rejection: a person, teaching, or behavior not meeting standards (e.g., moral or communal). English translations like 'reprobate,' 'castaway,' or 'rejected' may convey only part of the sense; the original emphasizes the aspect of failing a test or examination, not merely moral depravity. In non-religious Greek, also used of metal alloys or objects lacking purity or standard quality. The term contrasts with δόκιμος, which describes what has been proved and accepted as genuine, trustworthy, or fit for use. ἀδόκιμος thus ranges from objective failed standard (e.g., an unfit coin or sacrificial animal) to subjective moral evaluation (e.g., faith or character found wanting).
Translation Consistency
ἀδόκιμος describes someone or something that fails the required test or standard and so is judged unfit or rejected. "Disqualify" captures the testing/approval sense (fits common translations like “not approved,” “rejected”) and is a natural, consistent base to inflect for all forms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Α (as a negative particle) and δόκιμος; unapproved, i.e. rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally):--castaway, rejected, reprobate.
Root Family
ἀδόκιμος (adokimos) — not approved, failing the test, disqualified, unfit
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G96-01 |
ἀδόκιμοί | adokimoi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
disqualified | disqualified ones | disqualified ones | 5 |
G96-03 |
ἀδόκιμος | adokimos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
disqualified | unapproved one | disqualified one | 2 |
G96-02 |
ἀδόκιμον | adokimon | ADJ.A ACC M SG |
reprobate | unapproved one | unapproved mind | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
8 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G96-02 |
Romans 1:28 | ἀδόκιμον | adokimon | ADJ.A ACC M SG |
reprobate | unapproved one | unapproved mind |
G96-03 |
1 Corinthians 9:27 | ἀδόκιμος | adokimos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
disqualified | unapproved one | disqualified one |
G96-01 |
2 Corinthians 13:5 | ἀδόκιμοί | adokimoi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
disqualified | disqualified ones | disqualified ones |
G96-01 |
2 Corinthians 13:6 | ἀδόκιμοι | adokimoi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
disqualified | disqualified ones | disqualified ones |
G96-01 |
2 Corinthians 13:7 | ἀδόκιμοι | adokimoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
unapproved | disqualified ones | disqualified ones |
G96-01 |
2 Timothy 3:8 | ἀδόκιμοι | adokimoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
reprobate | disqualified ones | disqualified ones |
G96-01 |
Titus 1:16 | ἀδόκιμοι | adokimoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
unfit | disqualified ones | disqualified ones |
G96-03 |
Hebrews 6:8 | ἀδόκιμος | adokimos | ADJ.P NOM F SG |
worthless | unapproved one | disqualified one |