Lexical Summary panté: altogether, entirely, wholly Original Word: πάντη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance always. Adverb (of manner) from pas; wholly -- always. see GREEK pas NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from pas Definition every way, entirely NASB Translation every way (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3839: πάντῃπάντῃ (R G L Tr WH πάντῃ, see references under the word εἰκῇ), (πᾶς), adverb, from Homer down, everywhere; wholly, in all respects, in every way: Acts 24:3. Topical Lexicon Scope and Nuance of the Term The adverb πάντῃ conveys an idea of totality—“in every way,” “altogether,” “completely.” It intensifies a statement by stressing that no aspect is left out, that the action or quality is exhaustive. Singular Appearance in the New Testament Acts 24:3: “In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude.” The word occurs only here, spoken by the hired orator Tertullus as he opens the prosecution’s case against the Apostle Paul before the Roman governor Felix. Historical Setting in Acts Paul had been transferred from Jerusalem to Caesarea after a plot against his life (Acts 23:12-35). The high priest Ananias and the elders arrived five days later to press formal charges (Acts 24:1). They employed Tertullus, trained in Greco-Roman forensic rhetoric, to present their case. His opening captatio benevolentiae flatters Felix for “peace” and “reforms,” exaggerations given Felix’s notorious cruelty and corruption attested by historians such as Tacitus and Josephus. The adverb πάντῃ accentuates the sweep of this flattery. Contrast Between Flattery and Truth Luke juxtaposes Tertullus’s sweeping praise (“in every way and everywhere”) with Paul’s measured, fact-based defense (Acts 24:10-21). The single use of πάντῃ thus exposes the emptiness of sycophantic speech and highlights Christian integrity. Scripture repeatedly warns against flattering lips (Psalm 12:2-3; Proverbs 29:5). Paul himself later writes, “For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit” (1 Thessalonians 2:3). Theological Themes 1. Integrity of Witness: The trial underscores the believer’s call to truthful testimony even when unjustly accused (Exodus 20:16; 1 Peter 3:15-16). Practical Ministry Applications • Christian communication should be marked by candor, humility, and thanksgiving rather than manipulative praise (Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 4:6). Related Biblical Concepts – Pas (πᾶς, “all”): The root noun highlights God’s universal sovereignty (Revelation 4:11) and the gospel’s reach to “all nations” (Matthew 28:19). – Wholeness and Peace: The flattery of civic “peace” contrasts with the genuine peace (εἰρήνη) that Christ bestows (John 14:27). – Completion in Sanctification: “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)—a divine completeness that surpasses human claims. Relevance for Contemporary Discipleship Believers navigate public arenas where persuasive speech is prized. Acts 24 reminds the Church to honor rulers without surrendering prophetic integrity, to engage society with language that is both respectful and truthful, and to trust in the Lord whose work alone is truly πάντῃ—complete and in every way sufficient. Forms and Transliterations παντη πάντη πάντῃ παντοδαπά pante pantē pántei pántēiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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