Lexical Summary anékó: To endure, to bear with, to be patient with Original Word: ἀνέκω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fit, proper From ana and heko; to attain to, i.e. (figuratively) be proper -- convenient, be fit. see GREEK ana see GREEK heko HELPS Word-studies 433 anḗkō (from 303 /aná, "up/completing a process" and 2240 /hḗkō, "come") – properly, come up to a particular standard (expectation), i.e. to what is proper (fit, becoming) to give what "is due, suitable" (Souter); doing what is appropriately acceptable. (Col 3:18) is fit (433 /anḗkō) – Note the imperfect tense ("was fitting"). [J. B. Lightfoot, "The past tense involved perhaps implies an essential (a priori) obligation" of what was "owed."] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ana and hékó Definition to be fit, be proper NASB Translation fitting (2), proper (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 433: ἀνήκωἀνήκω; (imperfect ἀνῆκεν); in Greek writings to have come up to, arrived at, to reach to, pertain to, followed generally by εἰς τί; hence, in later writings ἀνηκει τί τίνι something appertains to one, is due to him namely, to be rendered or performed by others (1 Macc. 10:42 1 Macc. 11:35; 2 Macc. 14:8), and then ethically τό ἀνῆκον what is due, duty (R. V. befitting), Philemon 1:8; τά οὐκ ἀνήκοντα unbecoming, discreditable, Ephesians 5:4 (L T Tr WH ἅ οὐκ ἀνῆκεν, Winers Grammar, 486 (452); (Buttmann, 850 (301))); impersonally, ὡς ἀνῆκε as was fitting, namely, ever since ye were converted to Christ, Colossians 3:18 (Winers Grammar, 270 (254); cf. Buttmann, 217 (187) and Lightfoot at the passage). Topical Lexicon Concept of What Is FittingThe verb translated “is fitting” or “is proper” encapsulates the idea that certain attitudes and actions harmonize with God’s character and with the believer’s new identity in Christ. It signals a moral congruity rather than mere social convention. What “belongs” in the life of a saint is determined by God’s revealed will, not by changing cultural tastes. Occurrences in the New Testament Ephesians 5:4 – “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are not fitting, but rather thanksgiving.” Colossians 3:18 – “Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” Philemon 1:8 – “So although in Christ I am bold enough to order you to do what is proper.” In every instance the term appears in Pauline exhortation, setting a norm that flows from the believer’s relationship to Christ. Historical and Cultural Background In Greco-Roman moral philosophy, propriety (to prepon) described conduct becoming to one’s social status. Paul redirects the idea: propriety now springs from union with the Lord Jesus. What is “proper” is no longer measured by class expectations or civic virtue but by conformity to the gospel. Ethical Focus in Each Context 1. Ephesians 5:4 situates propriety in speech. Coarse language is incongruent with a community called “saints.” Thanksgiving is the speech that properly “belongs” because it acknowledges God as the giver of every good gift. 2. Colossians 3:18 places propriety within the household code. The wife’s willing submission is “in the Lord,” elevating the relationship above cultural patriarchy and rooting it in Christ’s headship over His people. 3. Philemon 1:8 shows Paul restraining apostolic authority. He could command what is “proper,” yet he prefers love-based persuasion. Propriety here concerns reconciliation and brotherly acceptance of Onesimus. Theological Significance • Holiness as Consistency: The word highlights that holiness is not merely avoidance of evil but the positive display of what coheres with God’s nature. • Lordship of Christ: The repeated phrase “in the Lord” (Colossians 3:18) shows that Christ defines propriety. Believers submit every sphere—speech, family, authority structures—to His rule. • Freedom and Obligation: Paul’s appeal in Philemon demonstrates that Christian freedom does not abolish obligation; rather, love makes obedience desirable and “proper.” Practical Ministry Implications • Preaching and Teaching: Pastors can use these passages to move congregations from legalism to gospel-motivated living—“because we belong to Christ, certain things belong in our lives.” • Counseling: The term strengthens biblical counseling by providing an objective standard for what behaviors fit a redeemed life. • Discipleship in Households: Colossians 3:18 guides systemic discipleship, showing that family roles are arenas for displaying the gospel’s order and beauty. Intertextual Echoes with the Old Testament While the exact Greek term is not found in the Septuagint, the concept parallels statements like Micah 6:8, where the Lord requires what is “good.” New Testament propriety fulfills the earlier call by rooting it in the finished work of Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Application in Contemporary Christian Life • Speech: Replace sarcastic or degrading humor with gratitude and edifying words. Summary Strong’s Greek 433 sets a concise yet far-reaching standard: believers must live in a way that “belongs” to their calling in Christ. Whether guarding the tongue, ordering the home, or reconciling with a brother, Christian propriety is the outworking of the gospel in daily life. Forms and Transliterations ανηκεν ανήκεν ἀνῆκεν ανηκον ανήκον ἀνῆκον ανήκοντα ανήλατος aneken anêken anēken anē̂ken anekon anêkon anēkon anē̂konLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ephesians 5:4 V-IIA-3SGRK: ἃ οὐκ ἀνῆκεν ἀλλὰ μᾶλλον NAS: which are not fitting, but rather KJV: are not convenient: but rather INT: which not are becoming but rather Colossians 3:18 V-IIA-3S Philemon 1:8 V-PPA-ANS Strong's Greek 433 |
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