Lexical Summary apeiros: inexperienced, unacquainted, ignorant Original Word: ἄπειρος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance unskillful, inexperienced From a (as a negative particle) and peira; inexperienced, i.e. Ignorant -- unskilful. see GREEK a see GREEK peira HELPS Word-studies 552 ápeiros (from 1 /A "not" and 3984 /peíra, "a test, trial") – properly, not tested or not successful when tested (tried). [In classical Greek, 552 (ápeiros) refers to people lacking adequate skill (knowledge) – and hence fail due to their lack of familiarity (practice).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and peira Definition without experience of NASB Translation accustomed (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 552: ἄπειροςἄπειρος, ἀπειρον (πεῖρα trial, experience), inexperienced in, without experience of, with the genitive of the thing (as in Greek writings): Hebrews 5:13. ((Pindar and Herodotus down.)) Topical Lexicon Definition and ScopeStrong’s Greek 552 highlights the condition of being untested or unskilled, particularly in spiritual or moral matters. The term points not merely to ignorance but to an absence of practical acquaintance that comes only through disciplined engagement with God’s truth. Biblical Usage Hebrews 5:13 employs the word to diagnose believers who remain at an elementary stage in their walk with Christ: “For everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced in the word of righteousness, since he is still an infant” (Hebrews 5:13). Here the apostle contrasts two kinds of diet—milk for the immature and solid food for the mature—using ἄπειρος to expose the danger of spiritual infancy that lingers beyond its rightful season. Context in Hebrews The wider passage, Hebrews 5:11-14, urges readers to move beyond basic instruction to a proficiency that can “distinguish between good and evil.” The unskilled person is not condemned for initial immaturity—every believer begins there—but for stagnation. By pairing ἄπειρος with “word of righteousness,” Scripture links skillfulness directly to doctrinal depth, ethical discernment, and obedience. Theological Significance 1. Sanctification: Growth in righteousness requires practice; inexperience is overcome through repeated submission to Scripture (John 17:17, 2 Timothy 3:16-17). 2. Discernment: Immaturity leaves believers vulnerable to error (Ephesians 4:14). Skill in the Word equips them to judge competing voices and cultural pressures. 3. Priesthood of Believers: Hebrews situates maturity within the believer’s priestly calling under Christ, our High Priest. To remain ἄπειρος undermines effective ministry both to God and to neighbor. Historical and Early Church Perspective Early Christian writers echoed Hebrews’ warning. Irenaeus urged catechumens to advance from “milk” catechesis to deeper truth, while Origen’s homilies on Numbers likened Biblical study to Israel’s journey from wilderness bread to the produce of Canaan. The term shaped discipleship models that balanced foundational creeds with sustained exposition. Practical Ministry Applications • Teaching Ministries: Churches must provide progressive curricula—milk for new converts (Acts 2:42) and solid teaching for maturing saints (Colossians 1:28). Related Biblical Parallels • 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 – Paul reproves the Corinthians for craving “milk” when they should be ready for “solid food.” Pastoral Reflection The single appearance of Strong’s 552 in the New Testament serves as a sharp diagnostic tool. Spiritual infancy is not merely a phase but a potential hazard if prolonged. The church therefore functions as both nursery and gymnasium—first nurturing, then stretching believers toward mature, practiced righteousness. Forms and Transliterations απειρος άπειρος ἄπειρος απείρου απείρω apeiros ápeirosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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