Lexical Summary axios: Worthy, deserving, suitable Original Word: ἄξιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance deserving praise.Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise) -- due reward, meet, (un-)worthy. see GREEK ago HELPS Word-studies 514 áksios (an adjective derived from aksō, "to weigh") – properly, to weigh in, assigning the matching value ("worth-to-worth"); worthy, i.e. as the assessment in keeping with how something "weighs in" on God's balance-scale of truth. 514 /áksios ("weighed-in") "properly means, 'drawing down the scale' hence 'weighing as much as,' 'of like value, worth,' befitting, congruous, corresponding" (J. Thayer). [514 (áksios) is the root of the English term, "axis." This also refers to a balance-scale, operating by off-setting weights.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom agó (in the sense of to weigh) Definition of weight, of worth, worthy NASB Translation appropriate (1), deserve (2), deserving (4), fitting (2), keeping (2), unworthy* (1), worthy (29). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 514: ἄξιοςἄξιος, ἄξια, ἄξιον (from ἄγω, ἄξω; therefore properly, drawing down the scale; hence) a. weighing, having weight; with a genitive having the weight of (weighing as much as) another thing, of like value, worth as much: βῶς ἄξιος, Homer, Iliad 23, 885; with the genitive of price (Winer's Grammar, 206 (194)), as ἄξιος δέκα μνῶν, common in Attic writings; πᾶν τίμιον οὐκ ἄξιον αὐτῆς (σοφίας) ἐστι, Proverbs 3:15; Proverbs 8:11; οὐκ ἐστι σταθμός πᾶς ἄξιος ψυχῆς, Sir. 26:15; οὐκ ἄξια πρός τήν ... δόξαν are of no weight in comparison with the glory, i. e. are not to be put on an equality with the glory, Romans 8:18; cf. Fritzsche at the passage and Winers Grammar, 405 (378); (Buttmann, 340 (292)). b. befitting, congruous, corresponding, τίνος, to a thing: τῆς μετανοίας, Matthew 3:8; Luke 3:8; Acts 26:20; ἄξια ὧν ἐπράξαμεν, Luke 23:41. ἄξιον ἐστι it is befitting: α. it is meet, 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (4 Macc. 17:8); β. it is worth the while, followed by τοῦ with an accusative and an infinitive, 1 Corinthians 16:4; — (in both senses very common in Greek writings from Homer and Herodotus down, and often with ἐστι omitted). c. of one who has merited anything, worthy — both in a good reference and a bad; α. in a good sense; with a genitive of the thing: Matthew 10:10; Luke 7:4; (Luke 10:7); Acts 13:46; 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Timothy 4:9; 1 Timothy 5:18; 1 Timothy 6:1. followed by the aorist infinitive: Luke 15:19, 21; Acts 13:25; Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:2, 4, 9, 12; followed by ἵνα: John 1:27 (ἵνα λύσω, a construction somewhat rare; cf. Dem. pro cor., p. 279, 9 ἀξιουν, ἵνα βοηθήσῃ ((dubious); see under the word ἵνα, II. 2 at the beginning and c.)); followed by ὅς with a finite verb (like Latindignus,qui): Luke 7:4 (Buttmann, 229 (198)). It stands alone, but so that the context makes it plain of what one is said to be worthy: Matthew 10:11 (to lodge with); Matthew 10:13 (namely, τῆς εἰρήνης); Matthew 22:8 (namely, of the favor of an invitation); Revelation 3:4 (namely, to walk with me, clothed in white), with a genitive of the person — worthy of one's fellowship, and of the blessings connected with it: Matthew 10:37; Hebrews 11:38 (τοῦ θεοῦ, Sap. iii. 5; Ignatius ad Eph. 2 [ET]). β. in a bad sense; with a genitive of the thing: πληγῶν, Luke 12:48; θανάτου, Luke 23:15; Acts (Acts 23:29); The term identifies that which matches a stated standard, value, or claim. It evaluates moral fitness, legal desert, appropriateness, or intrinsic worth. In Scripture the standard in view may be God’s character, the just demands of the Law, the responsibilities of stewardship, or the surpassing majesty of Jesus Christ. Distribution in the New Testament Used forty-one times, the word appears in narrative, teaching, exhortation, judicial language, and worship. It is found on the lips of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:8), Jesus (Matthew 10:37-38), angels (Revelation 5:2), criminals (Luke 23:41), apostles (Acts 13:46), and elders in heaven (Revelation 4:11), revealing a broad semantic range that touches every major doctrinal category: sin, salvation, discipleship, ministry, eschatology, and worship. Worthy in Relation to God’s Character Romans 1:32 shows fallen humanity “knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death,” underscoring divine justice. Romans 8:18 contrasts temporal suffering with eschatological glory: “Our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us,” reminding believers that God’s future reward far exceeds earthly cost. The Unique Worthiness of Jesus Christ Heaven’s throne room crowns the theme. Revelation 4:11 acclaims, “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things.” Revelation 5:9-12 repeats the chorus: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals… Worthy is the Lamb who was slain.” Christ’s worthiness rests both on His role as Creator and on His redemptive sacrifice, the twin pillars of biblical theology. Worthy Discipleship Jesus measures allegiance by worthiness language. “Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me… and whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37-38). Worthiness here is relational loyalty that surpasses natural bonds. The same chapter teaches missional discernment: “If the household is worthy, let your peace rest on it” (Matthew 10:13), tying reception of the gospel to the blessing of peace. Fruit Worthy of Repentance John the Baptist demands evidence, not mere profession: “Produce fruit worthy of repentance” (Matthew 3:8; Luke 3:8). The phrase insists that genuine inner change manifests in observable deeds, prefiguring later apostolic exhortations to live lives consistent with the gospel (Acts 26:20). Worthiness and Just Judgment Legal settings often employ the term. The repentant thief concedes, “We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve” (Luke 23:41). Roman officials declare Paul “not guilty of anything deserving death” (Acts 25:25; 26:31). Luke 12:48 balances justice with stewardship: “The one who did not know and did things worthy of punishment will receive few blows,” illustrating proportional judgment. Worthiness in Christian Ministry and Honor Ministry labor merits material support. Jesus states, “The worker is worthy of his wages” (Luke 10:7), echoed in 1 Timothy 5:18. First century itinerant mission depended on this principle, combining hospitality ethics with equitable remuneration. Likewise, 2 Thessalonians 1:3 affirms that giving thanks for spiritual growth is “only fitting,” modelling appropriate pastoral response. Eschatological Vindication of the Saints Revelation 3:4 offers a future promise: “They will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.” The worthiness credited here arises from faithfulness amid compromise, anticipating the bridal garments granted by grace (Revelation 19:8). Hebrews 11:38 honors the persecuted faithful: “The world was not worthy of them,” reversing earthly verdicts. Grace and Worthiness Paradox Several passages expose human unworthiness against divine generosity. The prodigal confesses, “I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:19, 21), yet the father restores him without hesitation. Paul calls himself “the foremost” of sinners yet finds mercy (1 Timothy 1:15). The gospel thus upholds justice while magnifying mercy; worthiness becomes a gift grounded in Christ’s worth, not self-merit. Practical Implications for Believers 1. Evaluate priorities—Christ must outrank every relationship (Matthew 10:37). Related Vocabulary The cognate adverb “worthily” (Strong’s 516) and noun “worthiness” (Strong’s 517) expand the theme, calling believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1) and illuminating the worthiness of eternal rewards (Colossians 1:12). Englishman's Concordance Matthew 3:8 Adj-AMSGRK: οὖν καρπὸν ἄξιον τῆς μετανοίας NAS: bear fruit in keeping with repentance; KJV: therefore fruits meet for repentance: INT: therefore fruit worthy of repentance Matthew 10:10 Adj-NMS Matthew 10:11 Adj-NMS Matthew 10:13 Adj-NFS Matthew 10:13 Adj-NFS Matthew 10:37 Adj-NMS Matthew 10:37 Adj-NMS Matthew 10:38 Adj-NMS Matthew 22:8 Adj-NMP Luke 3:8 Adj-AMP Luke 7:4 Adj-NMS Luke 10:7 Adj-NMS Luke 12:48 Adj-ANP Luke 15:19 Adj-NMS Luke 15:21 Adj-NMS Luke 23:15 Adj-NNS Luke 23:41 Adj-ANP John 1:27 Adj-NMS Acts 13:25 Adj-NMS Acts 13:46 Adj-AMP Acts 23:29 Adj-ANS Acts 25:11 Adj-ANS Acts 25:25 Adj-ANS Acts 26:20 Adj-ANP Acts 26:31 Adj-ANS Strong's Greek 514 |
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