Brief Overview of ἀνεκτός (Strong’s G414)

The Greek adjective ἀνεκτός (anektos) means “bearable” or “endurable.” It is derived from the prefix ἀν- (an-), meaning “not,” and ἔκτω (ektō), meaning “to hold” or “to bear.” The term describes something that can be endured or tolerated, often in the context of hardship or difficulty.

Detailed Overview

According to Strong’s Concordance, ἀνεκτός (G414) is used to describe conditions or situations that are bearable or endurable. It appears in 1 Corinthians 10:13, where Paul assures believers that God will not allow them to be tempted beyond what they can bear. The term emphasizes the idea that, even in difficult circumstances, there is always a capacity to endure or withstand the challenges faced.

The Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon provides further context by noting that ἀνεκτός refers to something that is “bearable” or “endurable.” BDAG highlights its application in contexts where endurance is necessary, reflecting the term’s use in discussing how individuals can withstand trials and difficulties with God’s help.

The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon supports this interpretation by defining ἀνεκτός as “bearable” or “endurable.” LSJ underscores that the term is used in contexts where tolerance and endurance are key, aligning with its biblical usage to denote situations that can be endured or managed.

In summary, ἀνεκτός primarily means “bearable” or “endurable,” indicating the capacity to withstand or tolerate difficult situations. This meaning is consistently supported by Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, and LSJ, each providing context for its use in discussing endurance and tolerance in biblical and classical Greek literature.