Lexical Summary adiakritos: Unwavering, impartial, without partiality Original Word: ἀδιάκριτος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance without partiality. From a (as a negative particle) and a derivative of diakrino; properly, undistinguished, i.e. (actively) impartial -- without partiality. see GREEK a see GREEK diakrino NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and diakrinó Definition indistinguishable, without uncertainty NASB Translation unwavering (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 87: ἀδιάκριτοςἀδιάκριτος, (διακρίνω to distinguish); 1. undistinguished and undistinguishable: φωνή, Polybius 15, 12, 9; λόγος, Lucian, Jup. Trag. 25; for בֹּהוּ, Genesis 1:2 Symm. 2. without dubiousness, ambiguity, or uncertainty (see διακρίνω, passive and middle 3 (others without variance, cf. διακρίνω, 2)): ἡ ἄνωθεν σοφία, James 3:17 (Ignatius ad Eph. 3, 2 [ET] Ἰησοῦς Χριστός τό ἀδιάκριτον ἡμῶν ζῆν (yet others take the word here, equivalent to inseparable, cf. Zahn in Patr. Apost. Works, edition Gebh., Ham. and Zahn, fasc. ii., p. 7; see also in general Zahn, Ignatius, p. 429 note{1}; Lightfoot on Ignatius, the passage cited; Sophocles Lexicon, under the word. Used from Hippocrates down.)). The adjective ἀδιάκριτος occurs once in the Greek New Testament (James 3:17). It describes a quality of heavenly wisdom that resists partiality, favoritism, or vacillation. In Scripture, the concept stands at the intersection of moral integrity, sound judgment, and equitable relationships in the covenant community. Biblical Setting and Usage James 3:17: “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.” Here ἀδιάκριτος is paired with ἀνυπόκριτος (“sincere”), forming a composite picture of wisdom that neither discriminates nor pretends. James contrasts this heaven-born quality with “earthly, unspiritual, demonic” wisdom (James 3:15), highlighting the stark ethical divide between the two sources of counsel. Though the term itself appears only once, the principle it names permeates both Testaments: These parallel passages demonstrate that ἀδιάκριτος summarizes a long-standing biblical ethic. Theological Themes 1. Divine Impartiality Reflected in Human Conduct God’s own character sets the standard. Because the Lord does not discriminate, His people must also reject favoritism (Leviticus 19:15). James presents impartiality as the fruit of wisdom rather than a mere social policy, rooting it in reverence for God rather than cultural trends. 2. Integrity of Judgment Throughout Scripture, impartial judgment is tied to righteousness (Proverbs 24:23; Zechariah 7:9). An ἀδιάκριτος mindset guards against the double-mindedness James condemns (James 1:8) and the marketplace favoritism he rebukes (James 2:1-4). True discernment neither waffles in doubt nor bends to status. 3. Unity in the Body of Christ Impartiality nurtures the “peace-loving” and “gentle” traits named alongside it (James 3:17). By removing preferential treatment based on wealth, ethnicity, or social rank, the church embodies the reconciled community Christ created (Ephesians 2:14-16). Historical and Cultural Background In the Greco-Roman world, patronage systems rewarded partiality; benefactors expected loyalty, and judges were often swayed by status. Jewish legal tradition also grappled with bribery and favoritism (Exodus 23:8). James writes into this milieu, affirming that believers must follow a higher, countercultural wisdom. Early Christian writers such as Clement of Rome echoed the theme, urging leaders to shepherd without “partiality of respect.” Practical Ministry Implications • Pastoral Counseling: Discernment that is ἀδιάκριτος helps pastors avoid preferential treatment and double standards, cultivating trust. Relationship to Other Virtues ἀδιάκριτος stands between purity and sincerity in James’s list, illustrating how impartiality keeps motives pure and expressions honest. It resonates with δικαιοσύνη (righteousness), εἰρήνη (peace), and ἔλεος (mercy), showing that biblical wisdom is holistic, never permitting a virtuous façade to cloak biased intentions. Conclusion Though only once named, ἀδιάκριτος captures a foundational divine attribute and an indispensable mark of Christian maturity. By seeking wisdom that is “impartial,” believers display God’s unchanging righteousness, foster unity, and bear witness to the justice of the coming kingdom. |
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