Lexical Summary akribestatos: Most exact, most precise, most strict Original Word: ἀκριβέστατος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance exact, precise.Superlative of akribes (a derivative of the same as akron); most exact -- most straitest. see GREEK akron HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 196 akribéstatos – the superlative ("-est") form of 199 /akribṓs meaning "the most accurate of all." See 199 (akribōs). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originsuperl. of akribés, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 196: ἀκριβήςἀκριβής, (ές, genitive (οῦς, exact, careful. The neuter comparitive is used adverbially in Acts 18:26; Acts 23:15, 20; Acts 24:22; ἡ ἀκριβεστάτη αἵρεσις the straitest sect i. e. the most precise and rigorous in interpreting the Mosaic law, and in observing even the more minute precepts of the law and of tradition, Acts 26:5. (From Herodotus down.) Topical Lexicon Linguistic and Conceptual Overview Strong’s Greek 196 captures the idea of the highest degree of precision, rigor, and exactness. It is the superlative form built on the same root that yields “accurate,” “exact,” and “carefully.” The single New Testament occurrence therefore highlights an extreme intensity: not merely careful, but the most careful or strict. Biblical Occurrence and Immediate Context (Acts 26:5) Paul, standing before King Agrippa, appeals to the prior knowledge of his accusers: “They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived as a Pharisee.” (Acts 26:5) The term rendered “strictest” (ἀκριβεστάτην) underscores Paul’s former commitment to the Pharisaic standard. It frames his testimony by showing that the same man who once embraced the most exacting brand of Judaism is now wholeheartedly devoted to Jesus Christ. His conversion, therefore, cannot be dismissed as careless enthusiasm; it is the deliberate choice of a man well-versed in the minutiae of the Law. Historical Background: The Pharisaic Ideal of Exactness 1. Precision in Law-Keeping. Pharisees pursued scrupulous obedience to both written Law and oral tradition (Matthew 23:23). The superlative term conveys how their entire identity was founded on exactness. Theological Implications • Law and Grace: The contrast between the “strictest” sect and the grace Paul later proclaims (Ephesians 2:8-9) highlights the superiority of redemption in Christ over the most exacting efforts of human righteousness. Ministry Significance 1. Precision with Purpose. Pastors and teachers should strive for doctrinal exactness without descending into mere formalism (2 Timothy 2:15). Related Vocabulary and Broader New Testament Use Though Strong’s 196 appears only once, its root family includes: Together they illustrate a biblical appreciation for thoroughness, whether in legal observance, investigation, or discipleship. Practical Reflections • Examine: Cultivate a faith informed by diligent study rather than casual sentiment. Summary Strong’s Greek 196 serves as a linguistic spotlight on Paul’s rigorous past and, by extension, on the sufficiency of Christ. It reminds the Church that the gospel withstands the closest scrutiny and that redeemed precision becomes a powerful ally in ministry. Forms and Transliterations ακριβές ακριβεστατην ακριβεστάτην ἀκριβεστάτην akribestaten akribestatēn akribestáten akribestátēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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