Lexical Summary amemptos: blameless, blamelessly, faultless Original Word: ἄμεμπτος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance blameless, faultless. From a (as a negative particle) and a derivative of memphomai; irreproachable -- blameless, faultless, unblamable. see GREEK a see GREEK memphomai HELPS Word-studies 273 ámemptos (an adjective, derived from 1 /A "not" and 3201 /mémphomai, "to find blame") – properly, without fault; not blameworthy, by omission or commission; hence, above reproach because morally pure. (This term stands in contrast to 299 /ámōmos, "ritual purity.") NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and memphomai Definition blameless NASB Translation blameless (2), blamelessly (1), faultless (1), without blame (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 273: ἄμεμπτοςἄμεμπτος, (μέμφομαι to blame), blameless, deserving no censure (Tertullianirreprehensibilis), free from fault or defect: Luke 1:6; Philippians 2:15; Philippians 3:6; 1 Thessalonians 3:13 (WH marginal reading ἀμέμπτως); Hebrews 8:7 (in which nothing is lacking); in the Sept. equivalent to תָּם, Job 1:1, 8 etc., common in Greek writings. (Cf. Trench, § ciii.) Topical Lexicon Thematic EssenceThe word translated “blameless” conveys the idea of a life or covenant standing to which no legitimate charge can be attached. It does not teach sinless perfection on earth but the absence of grounds for accusation before God or men. The concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament ideal of integrity (for example, Genesis 17:1; Psalm 15) and reaches its New Testament flowering in union with Christ, whose righteousness is imputed to and progressively manifested through His people. Canonical Context 1. Luke 1:6 presents Zechariah and Elizabeth as paradigms of covenant fidelity: “Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord.” Their blameless walk anticipates the coming of the Messiah by showing that genuine righteousness was already possible under the old economy through faith and obedience. 2. Philippians 2:15 moves the term from narrative description to apostolic exhortation: “so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world.” Here blamelessness is missional; moral credibility undergirds evangelistic witness amid cultural darkness. 3. Philippians 3:6 highlights the limits of legal righteousness: “as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.” Paul employs the word autobiographically to show that law-conformity, even when outwardly impeccable, cannot justify. It drives the reader toward the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8-9). 4. Hebrews 8:7 applies the adjective to the Mosaic covenant itself: “For if that first covenant had been without fault, no place would have been sought for a second.” The perceived “fault” is not moral failure in God’s revelation but insufficiency for bringing final redemption. The new covenant inaugurated by Jesus accomplishes what the old could only foreshadow, making the worshiper truly blameless (Hebrews 9:14). 5. 1 Thessalonians 3:13 casts blamelessness forward to the Parousia: “so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.” Present growth in holiness is linked to future eschatological vindication; what begins in regeneration will culminate in glorification. Christological Fulfillment Jesus Christ embodies perfect blamelessness (1 Peter 1:19; Hebrews 4:15). His atoning death removes every accusation against the believer (Colossians 1:22). Thus the term functions both forensically—declaring believers acquitted—and ethically—calling them to live out that verdict. Practical and Pastoral Dimensions • Personal Integrity: The call to be “blameless” summons Christians to thoughtful obedience in every sphere (marriage, finances, speech). Such consistency protects the gospel from reproach (Titus 2:10). • Leadership Qualification: Church overseers and deacons are required to be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2, 10), echoing the same standard of undisputed character. • Covenant Assurance: Hebrews 8:7 assures believers that the new covenant provides the internal resources—law written on the heart and the indwelling Spirit—to pursue blamelessness not as legalism but as grateful response. Eschatological Orientation Blamelessness is both already and not yet. The believer stands blameless in Christ now, yet prays and labors for the Spirit’s sanctifying work until “the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10). Final blamelessness will be publicly declared when the Church is presented “without stain or wrinkle” (Ephesians 5:27). Historical Ministry Significance Early Christian apologetics relied on the observable blameless conduct of believers to counter slander (see 1 Peter 2:12). Throughout history, movements of renewal—monastic reforms, evangelical awakenings, modern missions—have rediscovered the power of a blameless life to validate proclamation. Summary Blamelessness is not an optional spiritual luxury but a covenant expectation, made possible by Christ’s righteousness, empowered by the Spirit, evidenced in daily conduct, and consummated at Christ’s return. Forms and Transliterations αμεμπτοι άμεμπτοι ἄμεμπτοι αμεμπτος άμεμπτος ἄμεμπτος αμεμπτους αμέμπτους ἀμέμπτους amemptoi ámemptoi amemptos ámemptos amemptous amémptousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 1:6 Adj-NMPGRK: τοῦ κυρίου ἄμεμπτοι NAS: walking blamelessly in all KJV: ordinances of the Lord blameless. INT: of the Lord blameless Philippians 2:15 Adj-NMP Philippians 3:6 Adj-NMS 1 Thessalonians 3:13 Adj-AFP Hebrews 8:7 Adj-NFS Strong's Greek 273 |
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