196. akribestatos
Lexical Summary
akribestatos: Most exact, most precise, most strict

Original Word: ἀκριβέστατος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: akribestatos
Pronunciation: ah-kree-BES-tah-tos
Phonetic Spelling: (ak-ree-bes'-ta-tos)
KJV: most straitest
Word Origin: [superlative of akribes (a derivative of the same as G206 (ἄκρον - farthest end))]

1. most exact

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 Origin
superl. of akribés, q.v.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 196: ἀκριβής

ἀκριβής, (ές, genitive (οῦς, exact, careful. The neuter comparitive is used adverbially in Acts 18:26; Acts 23:15, 20; Acts 24:22; 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.
2. Social Reputation. In first-century Judaism the Pharisees were esteemed as models of piety (Philippians 3:5-6). To describe their movement with the strongest form of “accurate” tells us how contemporaries perceived them.
3. Influence on Paul. Before encountering Christ, Saul of Tarsus exemplified this zeal, “advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries” (Galatians 1:14). Acts 26:5 is therefore a shorthand for that pre-conversion résumé.

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.
• Reliability of Witness: By invoking his earlier strictness, Paul offers unimpeachable credentials. If such a meticulous Pharisee now testifies to the resurrection, his word carries weight (1 Corinthians 15:8–10).
• Consistency of Scripture: The term reinforces a recurring biblical theme: God’s revelation stands up to the highest scrutiny. The same Greek root describes careful searching of the Scriptures (Acts 17:11, using a cognate), affirming that faith invites examination rather than blind acceptance.

Ministry Significance

1. Precision with Purpose. Pastors and teachers should strive for doctrinal exactness without descending into mere formalism (2 Timothy 2:15).
2. Testimony Building. Believers can follow Paul’s example by demonstrating how Christ redirected even their strongest natural abilities or former religious zeal (Philippians 3:7–9).
3. Evangelistic Apologetics. When addressing skeptical audiences, pointing to verifiable, rigorous backgrounds—whether personal or historical—can strengthen gospel proclamation (Acts 26:24–29).

Related Vocabulary and Broader New Testament Use

Though Strong’s 196 appears only once, its root family includes:
• ἀκριβῶς (exactly, Ephesians 5:15);
• ἀκρίβεια (strictness, Acts 22:3);
• ἀκριβῶς ἐξετάζω (to inquire carefully, Matthew 2:8).

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.
• Balance: Pair doctrinal accuracy with compassion (1 Timothy 1:5).
• Witness: Use personal history—even strict religious backgrounds—to magnify the transforming power of grace.

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 akribestátēn
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Acts 26:5 Adj-AFS-S
GRK: κατὰ τὴν ἀκριβεστάτην αἵρεσιν τῆς
KJV: after the most straitest sect
INT: according to the strictest sect of the

Strong's Greek 196
1 Occurrence


ἀκριβεστάτην — 1 Occ.

195
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