Brief Overview of ἀνέκλειπτος (Strong’s G413)

The Greek adjective ἀνέκλειπτος (anekleiptos) means “without blame” or “irreproachable.” It is derived from the prefix ἀν- (an-), meaning “not,” and ἐκλείπω (ekleipō), meaning “to leave out” or “to be lacking.” The term describes someone who is free from blame or reproach, often in a moral or ethical context.

Detailed Overview

According to Strong’s Concordance, ἀνέκλειπτος (G413) is used in the New Testament to signify a state of being without blame or fault. This term is employed in 1 Timothy 3:10 and Titus 1:6, where it describes the qualities required for deacons and elders in the church. The emphasis is on maintaining a character that is irreproachable and free from valid criticism.

The Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon provides additional detail by explaining that ἀνέκλειπτος means “without blame” or “irreproachable.” BDAG highlights its use in ecclesiastical contexts, where individuals must meet high moral and ethical standards to be considered fit for leadership roles within the Christian community. The term reflects the expectation that such individuals should be free from any legitimate accusations or reproach.

The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon supports this interpretation by defining ἀνέκλειπτος as “without blame” or “irreproachable.” LSJ underscores its application in contexts where an individual’s conduct must be beyond reproach, aligning with its use in describing the qualifications for church leaders and others in positions of responsibility.

In summary, ἀνέκλειπτος primarily means “without blame” or “irreproachable,” indicating a state of being free from fault or reproach. This meaning is consistently supported by Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, and LSJ, each providing context for its use in describing the moral and ethical standards expected in leadership roles within biblical and classical Greek literature.