Lexical Summary ataktós: undisciplined, unruly Original Word: ἀτάκτως Strong's Exhaustive Concordance disorderly. Adverb from ataktos, irregularly (morally) -- disorderly. see GREEK ataktos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 814 atáktōs – properly, disorderly ("breaking rank"); insubordinate to God's Word and hence fruitless (unproductive) – because lacking proper order (discipline). See 813 (ataktos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from ataktos Definition disorderly NASB Translation undisciplined (1), unruly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 814: ἀτάκτωςἀτάκτως, adverb, disorderly: 2 Thessalonians 3:6 ἀτάκτως περιπατεῖν, which is explained by the added καί μή κατά τήν παράδοσιν ἥν παρέλαβε παῥ ἡμῶν; cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:11, where it is explained by μηδέν ἐργαζόμενοι, ἀλλά περιεργαζόμενοι. (Often in Plato.) Topical Lexicon Overview The adverb translated “in a disorderly manner” describes conduct that refuses proper order, shirks responsibility, and disrupts the harmony of the body of Christ. Its two New Testament occurrences appear in Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, where the apostle addresses believers who have abandoned productive labor while awaiting the Lord’s return. Biblical Occurrences 1. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 – Paul commands the church “to keep away from any brother who walks in idleness”, highlighting separation as a means of loving discipline. Meaning in Context The word pictures a soldier stepping out of rank. In Thessalonica it refers to professing believers who refused to work, expected the church to sustain them, and used their free time to intrude into matters that were not their own. Their conduct violated the apostolic “tradition” (2 Thessalonians 3:6) that every believer should “work with your own hands” (1 Thessalonians 4:11) and “eat his own bread” (2 Thessalonians 3:12). Historical Setting Thessalonica was a bustling commercial center. Some members, gripped by excitement over Christ’s imminent return (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2), concluded that ordinary vocations were now irrelevant. Paul corrects this eschatological imbalance by reaffirming the dignity of daily labor and the necessity of orderly living. Theological Significance • Order reflects the character of God (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40). Early Church Discipline Paul employs a three-fold approach: 1. Command (“we command you,” 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 12) – apostolic authority. Pastoral and Ministry Application • Teach a balanced eschatology that fuels diligence rather than apathy. Related Themes and Cross References • Sloth versus diligence – Proverbs 6:6-11; Romans 12:11. Summary Strong’s Greek 814 exposes the danger of abandoning God-ordained order. Paul’s remedy—apostolic teaching, personal example, and corrective discipline—remains vital for churches seeking to display the beauty of a well-ordered life while they “wait for His Son from heaven” (1 Thessalonians 1:10). Forms and Transliterations ατακτως ατάκτως ἀτάκτως ατάρ ατειχίστοις ατείχιστος ατεκνία ατεκνίαν ataktos ataktōs atáktos atáktōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Thessalonians 3:6 AdvGRK: παντὸς ἀδελφοῦ ἀτάκτως περιπατοῦντος καὶ NAS: who leads an unruly life KJV: that walketh disorderly, and INT: every brother idly walking and 2 Thessalonians 3:11 Adv |
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