Lexical Summary 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. Strong’s Greek 731 designates an adjective rendered “inexpressible” or “unspeakable.” It signifies realities so sacred, glorious, or overwhelming that ordinary language fails. In the New Testament the term appears only once—Paul’s account of being “caught up into Paradise and hearing inexpressible words” (2 Corinthians 12:4). This solitary use nevertheless opens a window onto the nature of divine revelation, the limits of human speech, and the believer’s hope of future glory. Biblical Occurrence and Context Paul writes 2 Corinthians 12 amid accusations challenging his apostleship. To demonstrate that true authority rests in God’s initiative rather than human credentials, he reluctantly recounts an ecstatic experience fourteen years earlier: The adjective underscores the qualitative gap between earthly speech and heavenly realities. The apostle immediately redirects attention from the astounding vision to his present weakness (2 Corinthians 12:5-10), highlighting that the gospel spreads not through spectacular revelations but through grace made perfect in frailty. Theological Significance 1. Revelation and Reservation Scripture affirms both the disclosure and the concealment of divine mysteries. While “the secret things belong to the LORD” (Deuteronomy 29:29), God freely unveils all that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Paul’s “inexpressible words” mark the boundary where revelation stops and reverent silence begins, reminding believers that God remains greater than any human articulation. The experience anticipates the believer’s ultimate transformation. What Paul heard but could not utter foreshadows the day when “we shall see face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12) and words will yield to direct vision. The term thus fuels hope, stimulating longing for the consummation when language itself is surpassed by unveiled glory. By refusing to divulge heavenly secrets, Paul models restraint. Authentic ministry does not trade in sensationalism; it magnifies Christ crucified and risen (1 Corinthians 2:2). The apostle’s silence teaches pastors and teachers to resist exploiting extraordinary experiences for self-promotion. Historical Interpretation Early church writers such as Gregory of Nyssa and Augustine viewed the inexpressible utterances as confirmation that God’s essence transcends creaturely comprehension. Medieval mystics cited Paul’s silence to justify apophatic (negative) theology, stressing what cannot be said about God. Reformation expositors, while honoring ineffable mystery, insisted that saving knowledge is fully accessible in canonical Scripture, cautioning against speculative flights beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6). Related Biblical Themes • Ineffable Gift – “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15) These parallels show that Scripture regularly confronts the limits of language when divine grace, joy, or judgment is unveiled. Practical Application for Contemporary Believers • Worship: When contemplating God’s majesty, allow for silence and awe. Hymns, prayers, and sermons should make room for wonder, acknowledging that words only approximate the fullness of God’s glory. Conclusion Strong’s 731 appears once, yet its reverberations touch the doctrines of revelation, eschatology, and Christian living. It summons believers to humility before mystery, confidence in Scripture, and anticipation of a glory presently “inexpressible” but soon to be fully revealed. |
    |