Lexical Summary akribós: exactly, accurately, carefully, diligently Original Word: ἀκριβῶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance circumspectly, diligently, perfectly. Adverb from the same as akribestatos; exactly -- circumspectly, diligently, perfect(-ly). see GREEK akribestatos HELPS Word-studies 199 akribṓs (from akribes, "the high point, extreme," see 195 /akríbeia, "highly accurate") – properly, extremely accurate, very exact; "more (very) accurate" because researched down to the finest detail ("factually precise"). This root (akrib-) refers to gaining exact information with the highest level of accuracy ("exactness") and is acquired by probing investigation to provide a comprehensive circumspect (precise) view in strict adherence to the facts. ["The verb is formed from akros, 'at the point' or 'end.' The idea is, therefore, he 'ascertained to the last point'; denoting the exactness of the information rather than the diligence of the search for it" (WS, 21).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from akribés Definition with exactness NASB Translation accurately (1), careful* (1), carefully (2), full well (1), more accurately (1), more exact (1), more thorough investigation (1), more thoroughly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 199: ἀκριβῶςἀκριβῶς, adverb, exactly, accurately, diligently: Matthew 2:8; Luke 1:3; Acts 18:25; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; ἀκριβῶς περιπατεῖν to live carefully, circumspectly, deviating in no respect from the law of duty, Ephesians 5:15. (From Aeschylus down.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 199 pictures a habit of mind and action marked by exactness, thoroughness, and conscientious care. Whether applied to historical research, evangelistic preaching, legal inquiry, or daily conduct, it underscores the scriptural expectation that God’s people pursue truth and walk in wisdom with deliberate precision. Canonical Distribution Matthew 2:8; Luke 1:3; Acts 18:25-26; Acts 23:15, 20; Acts 24:22; Ephesians 5:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:2. These nine occurrences fall naturally into three spheres: Gospel narrative, Acts’ record of mission and jurisprudence, and Pauline exhortation. Gospel Witness Matthew 2:8—Herod says, “Go and search carefully for the Child.” The term exposes the sinister king’s feigned piety; his meticulous inquiry aims at murder, not worship, illustrating how precision divorced from righteousness becomes manipulation. Luke 1:3—Luke writes, “having carefully investigated everything from the beginning.” Inspired Scripture employs painstaking research, demonstrating that faith is not opposed to careful historical method. Luke’s work models responsible scholarship within divine revelation. Formation of Doctrine and Discipleship (Acts 18:24-26) Apollos “spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately” (verse 25), yet Priscilla and Aquila “explained to him the way of God more accurately” (verse 26). Accuracy is progressive as believers receive fuller light. The passage commends humble teachability, the ministry of gifted lay-couples, and doctrinal precision as essential for effective proclamation. Legal Scrutiny and the Church’s Integrity (Acts 23:15, 20; 24:22) The Sanhedrin plot asks the tribune to examine Paul “more accurately,” while Felix is “well informed about the Way.” Government officials and hostile opponents alike recognize Christianity’s claims demand thorough evaluation. Luke presents the faith as able to withstand the highest level of forensic examination, reinforcing the believer’s confidence in the gospel’s factual solidity. Apostolic Exhortation to Careful Living (Ephesians 5:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:2) Ephesians 5:15 commands, “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise.” Here accuracy moves from cognition to conduct—an intentional, discerning lifestyle that avoids moral drift. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 reminds saints they are “fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” Precise eschatological instruction nourishes perpetual readiness and holy sobriety. Historical and Cultural Background In the Jewish world, scribes prized meticulous handling of Torah; in Hellenistic culture, rhetoricians sought exact argumentation. The New Testament appropriates this cultural esteem for accuracy, but anchors it in reverence for God. Thus, whether Luke compiling eyewitness testimony or Paul directing ethical vigilance, the term aligns intellectual rigor with spiritual devotion. Theological Implications 1. Revelation and Research: Divine inspiration coexists with diligent human effort (Luke 1:3). Ministry Applications • Preachers: Ground sermons in carefully examined text and theology, imitating Luke and Apollos post-instruction. Practical Counsel for Believers Today 1. Study Scripture systematically; avoid proof-text shortcuts. Summary Strong’s Greek 199 calls the Church to preserve the marriage of truth and thoroughness. From the Magi episode through Luke’s historiography, from Apollos’s upgrade to Paul’s courtroom defense, and into the believer’s daily walk and eschatological hope, Scripture commends an exact, diligent approach that magnifies the Lord of truth. Forms and Transliterations ακριβεστερον ακριβέστερον ἀκριβέστερον ακριβως ακριβώς ἀκριβῶς akribesteron akribésteron akribos akribôs akribōs akribō̂sLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 2:8 AdvGRK: Πορευθέντες ἐξετάσατε ἀκριβῶς περὶ τοῦ NAS: and search carefully for the Child; KJV: and search diligently for INT: Having gone search carefully for the Luke 1:3 Adv Acts 18:25 Adv Acts 18:26 Adv-C Acts 23:15 Adv-C Acts 23:20 Adv-C Acts 24:22 Adv-C Ephesians 5:15 Adv 1 Thessalonians 5:2 Adv Strong's Greek 199 |
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