Lexical Summary ametamelétos: Irrevocable, unregretted, without repentance Original Word: ἀμεταμέλητος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance without regretFrom a (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of metamellomai; irrevocable -- without repentance, not to be repented of. see GREEK a see GREEK metamellomai HELPS Word-studies 278 ametamélētos (an adjective, derived from 1 /A "not" and 33387/metamelomai, "regret") – properly, no change of concern (interest), i.e. without regret or remorse for an action because it was done from deep conviction (true concern). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and metamelomai Definition not repented of NASB Translation irrevocable (1), without regret (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 278: ἀμεταμέλητοςἀμεταμέλητος, (μεταμέλομαι, μεταμέλει), not repented of, unregretted: Romans 11:29; σωτηρία, by litotes, salvation affording supreme joy, 2 Corinthians 7:10 (others connect it with μετάνοιαν). (Plato, Polybius, Plutarch.) Topical Lexicon Root Concept and Theological Emphasis The adjective conveys an unalterable state—an action, decision, or outcome that will never be rescinded or lamented. In Scripture it serves to highlight either the unwavering character of God’s purposes or the settled peace that accompanies genuine repentance. Biblical Occurrences Romans 11:29 and 2 Corinthians 7:10 are the only New Testament appearances. Both passages employ the word to contrast what is eternally fixed with what is subject to change. Contextual Insights Romans 11:29: “For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.” The term seals Paul’s assurance that the divine commitments to Israel remain unchanged despite present unbelief. Paul’s larger argument (Romans 9–11) stresses God’s sovereign faithfulness; the adjective underscores that the covenantal promises first given to the patriarchs cannot be withdrawn. 2 Corinthians 7:10: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” Here the word describes the outcome of authentic, Spirit‐wrought repentance—salvation that the believer will never rue. In the Corinthian context, Paul distinguishes productive grief (aligned with God’s will) from destructive remorse (dominated by self-pity and despair). Doctrinal Implications 1. Divine Immutability: The permanence attached to God’s “gifts and call” supports the doctrine that His redemptive plan is unchanging. Pastoral and Practical Application • Assurance: Believers struggling with doubt may rest in the certainty that God’s gracious call will not be revoked. Historical Use in Christian Thought Early Church writers (e.g., Irenaeus, Chrysostom) cited Romans 11:29 to defend God’s ongoing purpose for Israel. Medieval scholastics related the term to the stability of sacramental grace. Reformers appealed to it when articulating the perseverance of the saints, while Puritans used 2 Corinthians 7:10 to press for experiential holiness rather than superficial contrition. Throughout, the word has served as a touchstone for discussions on election, covenant, and assurance. Summary Strong’s Greek 278 marks what God ordains as final and what true repentance secures as permanent. Whether declaring the steadfastness of divine promises or describing salvation free from future remorse, Scripture employs the term to magnify God’s fidelity and the believer’s enduring hope. Forms and Transliterations αμεταμελητα αμεταμέλητα ἀμεταμέλητα αμεταμελητον αμεταμέλητον ἀμεταμέλητον ametameleta ametamelēta ametaméleta ametamélēta ametameleton ametamelēton ametaméleton ametamélētonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 11:29 Adj-NNPGRK: ἀμεταμέλητα γὰρ τὰ NAS: of God are irrevocable. KJV: of God [are] without repentance. INT: irrevocable indeed [are] the 2 Corinthians 7:10 Adj-AFS Strong's Greek 278 |
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