562. aperantos

Lexical Summary

aperantos: Endless, boundless, infinite

Original Word: ἀπέραντος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: aperantos
Pronunciation: ah-PEH-rahn-tos
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-er'-an-tos)
KJV: endless
NASB: endless
Word Origin: [from G1 (α - Alpha) (as a negative particle) and a secondary derivative of G4008 (πέραν - other side)]

1. unfinished
2. (by implication) interminable

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

endless.

From a (as a negative particle) and a secondary derivative of peran; unfinished, i.e. (by implication) interminable -- endless.

see GREEK a

see GREEK peran

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and perainó (to complete, finish)
Definition
unfinished, i.e. endless
NASB Translation
endless (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 562: ἀπέραντος

ἀπέραντος, ἀπέραντον; (περαίνω to go through, finish; cf. ἀμάραντος), that cannot be passed through, boundless, endless: γενεαλογιαι, protracted interminably, 1 Timothy 1:4. (Job 36:26; 3Macc. 2:9; in Greek writings from Pindar down.)

Topical Lexicon

Biblical Usage

The adjective ἀπέραντος appears a single time in the New Testament, describing “endless genealogies” in 1 Timothy 1:4. Paul warns Timothy that such pursuits “promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith” (1 Timothy 1:4). The term pictures something without terminus—study that cannot be brought to a practical, edifying conclusion.

Historical Setting

1. Jewish Interest in Lineage
• The Old Testament preserves extensive, God-ordained genealogies (for example, Genesis 5; 1 Chronicles 1–9) that validate covenant promises and messianic hope.
• By the first century, certain teachers expanded these lists with midrashic embellishments, producing elaborate family trees that shifted focus from God’s redemptive plan to speculative minutiae.

2. Early Gnostic Tendencies
• Proto-Gnostic circles constructed mystical “emanation” genealogies of angels or aeons. Such diagrams claimed secret insight into the divine realm yet left believers spiritually adrift.
• The Pastoral Epistles confront this trend: “Avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law” (Titus 3:9).

Contrast with Inspired Genealogies

• Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38 trace Jesus’ lineage to prove His messianic identity and Davidic right, anchoring the gospel in verified history.
• These canonical records are finite, purposeful, and Christ-centered—the very opposite of the “endless” lists criticized by Paul.
• Hebrews 7:3 underscores Melchizedek’s typological value precisely because he stands outside recorded genealogy, directing attention to Christ rather than bloodline.

Theological Significance

• Endless genealogical debate diverts believers from “love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5).
• Scripture insists that salvation rests on union with Christ, not ancestral standing (Galatians 3:28-29).
• The authority of Scripture establishes fixed boundaries; when study outruns those boundaries, the result is “vain discussion” (1 Timothy 1:6).

Pastoral Implications

1. Guard the Pulpit

Elders must screen teaching that major on curiosities rather than “sound instruction that conforms to the gospel” (1 Timothy 1:10-11).
2. Cultivate Edifying Study

Bible classes should prioritize texts that promote worship, obedience, and mission.
3. Confront Speculation Graciously

Correct error with patience, steering conversations back to Christ and His saving work.

Application for Contemporary Ministry

• Genealogical fascination persists today through fringe chronologies, secret-code theories, and endless internet debates. The apostolic remedy is still “the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.”
• Believers celebrate heritage—whether ethnic, denominational, or family—yet glory only in the cross (Galatians 6:14).
• Sound doctrine produces tangible fruit: “train yourself for godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7).

Summary

ἀπέραντος in 1 Timothy 1:4 warns against study that knows no finish line and yields no spiritual profit. Biblical genealogies serve redemptive history; speculative ones distract from it. Faithful ministry maintains clear boundaries, directing all inquiry toward Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Forms and Transliterations

απεραντοις απεράντοις ἀπεράντοις απέραντος απερείδομαι απερείσηται απηρείδοντο απηρείσαντο απηρείσατο aperantois aperántois

Englishman's Concordance

1 Timothy 1:4 Adj-DFP
GRK: καὶ γενεαλογίαις ἀπεράντοις αἵτινες ἐκζητήσεις
NAS: to myths and endless genealogies,
KJV: and endless genealogies,
INT: and genealogies endless which questionings

Strong's Greek 562
1 Occurrence

ἀπεράντοις — 1 Occ.