Lexical Summary anendektos: Impossible, inadmissible, not to be allowed Original Word: ἀνένδεκτος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance impossible. From a (as a negative particle) and a derivative of the same as endechetai; unadmitted, i.e. (by implication) not supposable -- impossible. see GREEK a see GREEK endechetai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and endechomai Definition impossible NASB Translation inevitable* (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 418: ἀνένδεκτοςἀνένδεκτος, ἀνένδεκτόν (alpha privative and ἐνδεκτος, and this from ἐνδέχομαι, which see), that cannot be admitted, inadmissible, unallowable, improper: ἀνένδεκτόν ἐστι τοῦ μή ἐλθεῖν it cannot be but that they will come, Luke 17:1 (Winers Grammar, 328 (308); Buttmann, 269 (231)). (Artemidorus Daldianus, oneir. 2, 70 ὁ ἀριθμός πρός τόν μέλλοντα χρόνον ἀνένδεκτος (Diogenes Laërtius 7, 50), and several times in ecclesiastical and Byzantine writings.) Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence and Immediate Context The word ἀνένδεκτον appears a single time in the New Testament, in Luke 17:1. Jesus, turning to His disciples, declares, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come!” (Berean Standard Bible). By selecting a rare term that stresses absolute impossibility, the Lord underscores two complementary realities: (1) occasions for sin are certain in a fallen world, and (2) individuals remain fully responsible for introducing them. The Inevitability of Offenses Throughout Scripture, believers are warned that trials and provocations are woven into the fabric of life east of Eden. The fall of Genesis 3 inaugurated a realm in which temptation and hostility persist until Christ’s return. Jesus’ statement aligns with His earlier teaching: “Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!” (Matthew 18:7). His words neither excuse sin nor surrender to fatalism; rather, they prepare disciples for realistic discipleship in a hostile age (John 16:33). Divine Sovereignty and Human Accountability Luke 17:1 balances God’s sovereign permission of events with human culpability. The inevitability of stumbling blocks falls under the mysterious, comprehensive plan of God (Acts 2:23), yet the pronounced “woe” places moral weight squarely upon those who entice others to sin (James 1:13-15). Scripture consistently maintains this tension: Joseph’s brothers acted wickedly, but “God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20); Judas fulfilled prophecy, yet bore full guilt (Mark 14:21). Terminology of “Stumbling Blocks” in Broader Canon While ἀνένδεκτον itself is unique to Luke 17:1, the associated concept—skandalon, “offense” or “stumbling block”—recurs often. These texts expand the theme from inevitable temptations to the believer’s duty to avoid becoming an inducement to sin and to recognize that the gospel itself—though life-giving—provokes opposition. Pastoral and Discipleship Implications 1. Vigilance in Spiritual Leadership. Those who guide others (parents, pastors, teachers) must heed Christ’s “woe,” cultivating environments where holiness is encouraged and snares removed (Hebrews 12:13). Historical Reflections in Early Christianity Patristic commentators recognized Luke 17:1 as foundational for church discipline. Tertullian cited the verse to defend exclusion of unrepentant offenders. Chrysostom emphasized its motivational force for pastoral care, arguing that leaders who neglect their flock risk falling under Christ’s “woe.” Homiletical Considerations • The Certainty of Conflict: Preaching should set realistic expectations for new converts. Intertextual Bridge to Eschatology Revelation forecasts intensified deception (Revelation 2:14; 18:2-3). Luke 17:1 therefore serves as a perennial caution; as history advances toward consummation, believers must discern false prophets and societal enticements that would draw them away from fidelity to Christ. Conclusion The lone New Testament appearance of ἀνένδεκτον in Luke 17:1 crystallizes a key biblical insight: the presence of temptation is an inescapable feature of life in a broken world, yet human agents who introduce or perpetuate it stand under solemn judgment. Recognizing this dual truth equips the church for vigilant holiness, compassionate restoration, and steadfast hope until the day when stumbling blocks are forever removed (Revelation 21:27). Forms and Transliterations Ανενδεκτον ανένδεκτόν Ἀνένδεκτόν ανεξέλεγκτος Anendekton AnéndektónLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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