Lexical Summary ataktos: unruly Original Word: ἄτακτος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance unruly. From a (as a negative particle) and a derivative of tasso; unarranged, i.e. (by implication) insubordinate (religiously) -- unruly. see GREEK a see GREEK tasso HELPS Word-studies 813 átaktos (an adjective derived from 1 /A "not" and 5021 /tássō, "draw up, arrange") – properly, out-of-line ("without order," M. Vincent); (figuratively) out of God's appointed (proper) order; unruly, refusing to observe God's guidelines (live in faith). Accordingly, faith (4102 /pístis) and 813 (átaktos) are directly associated (see 1 Tim 5:12-14). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and taktos Definition out of order, out of place NASB Translation unruly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 813: ἄτακτοςἄτακτος, ἄτακτον (τάσσω), disorderly, out of the ranks, (often so of soldiers); irregular, inordinate (ἀτακτοι ἡδοναι immoderate pleasures, Plato, legg. 2, 660 b.; Plutarch, de book educ. c. 7), deviating from the prescribed order or rule: 1 Thessalonians 5:14, cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:6. (In Greek writings from (Herodotus and) Thucydides down; often in Plato.) Topical Lexicon Biblical Context The single New Testament occurrence of ἀτάκτους (1 Thessalonians 5:14) appears in an exhortation aimed at nurturing a healthy, sanctified community in Thessalonica. Paul writes, “And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). The word is couched among three other pastoral directives, revealing that disorderliness is a threat to congregational well-being comparable to faintheartedness and weakness. The apostle expects the entire church—not solely its leaders—to address such conduct. Literary and Cultural Background Thessalonica was a bustling Roman city with a significant military presence. In broader Greco-Roman usage, the term could describe soldiers who stepped out of formation. Paul taps that imagery to describe believers who step out of line with apostolic instruction (compare 2 Thessalonians 3:6–7, where the cognate verb and adjective reappear). In a church awaiting the return of Christ, some had adopted an irresponsible lifestyle, possibly quitting work under the assumption that the Parousia was imminent (2 Thessalonians 3:11–12). The term thus evokes both social and spiritual irresponsibility. Theological Themes 1. Congregational Responsibility: By placing the task of admonition upon “brothers” collectively, 1 Thessalonians 5:14 highlights the priesthood of all believers. Mutual care within the body protects against behavior that fractures unity or tarnishes witness. Pastoral Application • Admonition is restorative, not punitive. The goal is the recovery of those drifting into undisciplined living (Galatians 6:1). Historical Interpretation Early church fathers such as Chrysostom saw the term as covering more than economic idleness; it included all conduct diverging from apostolic tradition. Reformers like Calvin underscored the role of church discipline in reclaiming the disorderly, while Puritan writers stressed industry and stewardship as safeguards against the vice. Related Biblical Concepts • Sluggishness (Hebrews 6:12) Significance for Ministry Today Modern congregations face comparable challenges—spiritual complacency, refusal to submit to biblical authority, and neglect of vocational responsibilities. Paul’s concise instruction offers a timeless pattern: identify disorderly conduct, apply loving admonition, and foster patient pastoral care. When practiced, the church displays ordered fellowship that adorns the gospel and anticipates the return of Christ “so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints” (1 Thessalonians 3:13). Forms and Transliterations ατακτους ατάκτους ἀτάκτους ataktous atáktousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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