Lexical Summary anantirrétos: Irrefutable, undeniable Original Word: ἀναντίρρητος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance undeniable, incontravertableFrom a (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of a compound of anti and rheo; indisputable -- cannot be spoken against. see GREEK a see GREEK anti see GREEK rheo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix), anti and rhétos (stated, specified) Definition not to be contradicted NASB Translation undeniable facts (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 368: ἀναντίρρητοςἀναντίρρητος (WH ἀναντιρητος; see Rho), ἀναντιρρητον, (the alpha privative, ἀντί, and ῤητός from Ρ᾽ΑΩ to say), not contradicted and not to be contradicted; undeniable (not to be gainsaid); in the latter sense, Acts 19:36. (Occasionally in Greek writings from Polybius down.) Topical Lexicon Conceptual SignificanceStrong’s Greek 368 points to something so evident that no rational objection can be lodged against it. The term does not merely describe a logical certainty; it indicates a fact that presses itself upon the conscience. Scripture often portrays truth as self-attesting (John 18:37; Romans 1:19-20). In that light, ἀναντιρρήτων serves as a concise reminder that God’s revelation, whether through creation, conscience, or proclamation, bears an authority that ultimately silences contradiction. Biblical Context and Sole New Testament Occurrence Acts 19:36 provides the single inspired usage: “Since these things are undeniable, you ought to stay calm and not do anything rash”. Spoken by the city clerk of Ephesus during the uproar incited by Demetrius, the word underscores three layers of “undeniability” present in the narrative: 1. The public recognition that Artemis was revered in Ephesus (the immediate referent). Luke’s careful choice of this rare term highlights the contrast between reasoned acknowledgment of truth and the irrational tumult of those resisting the gospel. Historical and Cultural Setting Ephesus was famed for its temple to Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Commercial interests were intertwined with religious devotion. The outcry against Paul was therefore both economic and spiritual. Into this charged atmosphere steps a civic official who appeals to an “undeniable” point—an argument from common ground that momentarily stills the crowd. Luke’s record shows that even in a pagan environment God can raise secular voices to confirm incontrovertible realities, vindicating His servants without resorting to force. Theological Implications 1. God’s truth withstands scrutiny. Just as the town clerk’s statement prevailed over the crowd, so the gospel endures every cultural challenge (2 Corinthians 13:8). Apostolic Strategy and Witness Paul’s ministry in Ephesus combined public proclamation, private instruction, and extraordinary miracles (Acts 19:8-12). Yet the narrative climaxes not with a supernatural sign but with an appeal to incontrovertible fact. The episode teaches that while miracles may arrest attention, reasoned discourse grounded in evident truth remains a God-honoring apologetic (Acts 17:2-3; 1 Peter 3:15). Practical Ministry Lessons • Anchor proclamation in realities that listeners already concede whenever possible, building bridges from shared premises to gospel claims. Conclusion Though ἀναντιρρήτων appears only once, it encapsulates a rich biblical theme: the compelling power of truth. Acts 19 portrays a moment when even opponents must pause before a fact they cannot refute. For the church today, the word is both encouragement and mandate—proclaim the gospel as the definitive, unassailable reality to which every heart is ultimately accountable. Forms and Transliterations αναντιρητων ἀναντιρήτων αναντιρρήτων ἀναντιρρήτων anantirreton anantirrētōn anantirrḗton anantirrḗtōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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