Lexicon arrétos: Inexpressible, unspeakable Original Word: ἄρρητος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance unspeakable. From a (as a negative particle) and the same as rhetos; unsaid, i.e. (by implication) inexpressible -- unspeakable. see GREEK a see GREEK rhetos HELPS Word-studies 731 árrhētos (from 1 /A, "not" and 4490 /rhētṓs, "speakable") – properly, can not be spoken; unutterable because beyond description. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and rhétos (stated) Definition unspeakable NASB Translation inexpressible (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 731: ἄρρητοςἄρρητος, ἀρρητον (ῤητός, from Ρ᾽ΑΩ); a. unsaid, unspoken: Homer, Odyssey 14, 466, and often in Attic. b. unspeakable (on account of its sacredness) (Herodotus 5, 83, and often in other writings): 2 Corinthians 12:4, explained by what follows: ἅ οὐκ ἐξόν ἀνθρώπῳ λαλῆσαι. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἄρρητος, the concept of something being beyond expression or too sacred to be spoken can be related to Hebrew terms such as "פֶּלֶא" (pele, Strong's 6382), meaning "wonder" or "marvel," which conveys the idea of something extraordinary or incomprehensible. Another related concept is "סָתַר" (satar, Strong's 5641), meaning "to hide" or "conceal," which can imply the hidden or mysterious nature of divine truths. Usage: The word ἄρρητος is used in the New Testament to describe experiences or revelations that are beyond human articulation. It appears in contexts where the divine or transcendent nature of an experience is emphasized, highlighting the limitations of human language in conveying the full depth of spiritual realities. Context: The term ἄρρητος is found in the New Testament in 2 Corinthians 12:4, where the Apostle Paul describes being caught up to Paradise and hearing "inexpressible words, things that man is not permitted to tell." This usage underscores the profound and sacred nature of the revelations Paul received, which were so holy and beyond human comprehension that they could not be communicated through ordinary language. The use of ἄρρητος in this context emphasizes the mystery and majesty of divine encounters, suggesting that some aspects of spiritual experience transcend the capacity of human speech. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that God's ways and thoughts are higher than those of humans (Isaiah 55:8-9), and that the fullness of divine truth often surpasses human understanding. |
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