Lexical Summary anepilémptos: Blameless, above reproach Original Word: ἀνεπίλημπτος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance blameless, unrebukeable. From a (as a negative particle) and a derivative of epilambanomai; not arrested, i.e. (by implication) inculpable -- blameless, unrebukeable. see GREEK a see GREEK epilambanomai HELPS Word-studies 423 anepílēptos (from 1 /A "not" and 1949 /epilambánomai, "apprehend") – properly, not apprehended (found wrong) when censured or attacked, i.e. without blame in light of the whole picture. Here the person (accuser) trying to seize someone's character by unjustified censure is shown to be groundless, i.e. when the matter is understood in its full context. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and epilambanomai Definition without reproach NASB Translation above reproach (2), reproach (1), without* (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 423: ἀνεπίληπτοςἀνεπίληπτος (L T Tr WH ἀνεπίλημπτος; see Mu, ἀνεπίληπτον (alpha privative and ἐπιλαμβάνω), properly, not apprehended, that cannot be laid hold of; hence, that cannot be reprehended, not open to censure, irreproachable (Tittmann i., p. 31; Trench, § ciii.): 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Timothy 5:7; 1 Timothy 6:14. (Frequent in Greek writings from (Euripides and) Thucydides down.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope ἀνεπίλημπτος describes a moral and spiritual condition that renders a person “above criticism,” free of anything that could justly be seized upon by an accuser. The word does not claim sinless perfection but denotes a life in which no legitimate charge can be sustained because conduct is consistently aligned with revealed truth. Occurrences in the Pastoral Epistles 1 Timothy is the sole New Testament witness to the term, and each instance sits within imperatives for orderly life in the household of God: Qualifications for Church Leaders Because leadership functions in the open, ἀνεπίλημπτος heads the list of elder requirements. It safeguards the gospel’s credibility before believers and outsiders alike (compare Titus 1:6-7; Acts 20:28). Paul’s priority order shows that skill, gifting, and even doctrinal precision must flow from a life already proven immune to legitimate accusation. Standard for the Whole Assembly While initially applied to overseers, Paul quickly broadens the expectation to widows (5:7) and to Timothy himself (6:14). The term therefore sets a baseline for every disciple. Each believer is called to a life so consistent with Christ that critics are silenced (1 Peter 2:12). Christological Fulfillment and Example Jesus Christ embodies the word’s intent: “For we do not have a high priest unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). The irreproachability demanded of leaders and members alike is derivative—rooted in union with the blameless Savior, empowered by His Spirit, and motivated by His imminent appearing (1 Timothy 6:14; 1 John 3:3). Historical Reception in the Early Church Patristic writers echoed Paul’s priority. The Didache and First Clement insist that bishops be “irreproachable” (ἀνεπίλημπτοι) so that pagan observers could find no opening for slander. By the second century, the term became shorthand in ordination formulas, underscoring that holy character, not social status, qualifies a shepherd. Practical Ministry Implications Today • Candidate assessment: Modern churches must weigh observable integrity more heavily than charisma or professional success. Related Biblical Themes Blamelessness (ἄμωμος, ἀμέμπτος), integrity, holiness, good testimony, above reproach, sanctification. Irreproachability is therefore not an optional spiritual luxury but the expected norm for those who await the return of the blameless Christ and seek to adorn His gospel before a watching world. Forms and Transliterations ανεπιλημπτοι ἀνεπίλημπτοι ανεπιλημπτον ἀνεπίλημπτον ανεπίληπτοι ανεπίληπτον anepilemptoi anepilēmptoi anepílemptoi anepílēmptoi anepilempton anepilēmpton anepílempton anepílēmptonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Timothy 3:2 Adj-AMSGRK: τὸν ἐπίσκοπον ἀνεπίλημπτον εἶναι μιᾶς NAS: must be above reproach, the husband KJV: must be blameless, the husband of one INT: the overseer blameless to be of one 1 Timothy 5:7 Adj-NMP 1 Timothy 6:14 Adj-AFS Strong's Greek 423 |
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