Pronunciation Guide: ak-mane’ (accent on second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G188: ἀκμήν is an accusative case noun used adverbially in the New Testament, meaning “at this point” or “even yet.” It expresses the idea of a specific moment or point in time, particularly emphasizing continuing action or state. In its single New Testament occurrence, it carries a sense of lingering spiritual dullness that persists up to a particular moment.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Accusative case feminine singular noun used adverbially
• Root Word: ἀκμή (akmē) – “point, edge, highest point”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative and teaching sections
• Literary Form: Adverbial accusative

ἀκμήν Morphology:

• ἀκμή (nominative singular) – point, edge
• ἀκμήν (accusative singular) – at the point, yet
• ἀκμῇ (dative singular) – at/with the point

Origin & History

The word ἀκμήν originates from the Classical Greek noun ἀκμή (akmē), which primarily meant “point” or “edge,” particularly of weapons or tools. In Xenophon’s “Cyropaedia,” it appears describing the prime or critical moment of battle. The term evolved to represent the peak or crucial point of any situation.

Through its development in Koine Greek, ἀκμήν became specialized as an adverbial accusative, marking temporal relationships. This transformation from a concrete noun meaning “point” to an abstract indicator of time demonstrates the sophisticated development of Greek philosophical and temporal concepts.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A specific point or moment in time
• A continuing state up to the present
• The peak or crucial moment of a situation
• A lingering or persistent condition

ἀκμήν Translation Options:

• “still” – emphasizes continuation of a state
• “even now” – stresses the present moment
• “yet” – indicates persistence of condition
• “at this point” – highlights temporal specificity

Biblical Usage

The word ἀκμήν appears only once in the New Testament, making it a hapax legomenon. Its singular usage occurs in a pivotal moment of Matthew 15:16, where Yeshua (Jesus) addresses His disciples’ spiritual understanding. The context involves their struggle to grasp His teaching about true defilement, highlighting the persistence of their spiritual dullness.

In the Septuagint (LXX), while ἀκμή appears occasionally, the adverbial ἀκμήν is notably rare, suggesting its specialized usage in Koine Greek of the New Testament period.

• “Are you also still [ἀκμήν] without understanding?” Matthew 15:16

Cultural Insights

In ancient Greek medical writings, particularly those of Hippocrates, ἀκμή was used to describe the critical point or crisis of an illness. This medical usage provides a fascinating parallel to Yeshua’s employment of ἀκμήν in addressing the disciples’ spiritual condition. Just as a physician would identify the crucial moment in a patient’s illness, Yeshua diagnosed the precise point of His disciples’ spiritual development.

The word’s connection to the concept of “edge” or “point” in classical Greek warfare also enriches our understanding of its New Testament usage. Just as a warrior needed to recognize the crucial moment in battle, the disciples needed to recognize their critical moment of spiritual understanding.

Theological Significance

The singular appearance of ἀκμήν in Matthew 15:16 carries profound theological weight. It reveals the Messiah’s patient yet pointed assessment of His disciples’ spiritual growth. The word choice suggests not just a moment of frustration, but a divine pedagogical strategy, highlighting the process of spiritual development under His teaching.

This usage also illuminates the reality of spiritual growth as a process. Even those closest to Yeshua required time and patience to develop spiritual understanding, demonstrating His gracious persistence in teaching despite human dullness. This reveals God’s character as a patient teacher who meets us where we are while calling us to greater understanding.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀκμήν challenges us to examine our own spiritual comprehension honestly. Just as Yeshua’s disciples needed time to grasp His teachings, we too may find ourselves “still” at various points of understanding in our spiritual journey. This reality should encourage patience with ourselves and others while maintaining a commitment to growth.

The word reminds us that spiritual development is a process, not an instant transformation. When we find ourselves “still” struggling with certain truths or practices, we can take comfort in knowing that even the first disciples faced similar challenges, and Yeshua remains just as patient with us.

Related Words

• ἔτι (eti) – “still, yet, even now” – A more common term for continuing states but lacking the precise temporal point of ἀκμήν See G2089
• οὐδέπω (oudepō) – “not yet” – Indicates temporal negation, contrasting with ἀκμήν’s positive assertion See G3764
• ἤδη (ēdē) – “already, now” – Marks completion rather than continuation See G2235

Did you Know?

• The English word “acme” derives from the Greek root ἀκμή, preserving the concept of “peak” or “highest point” in modern usage.
• In ancient Greek military terminology, ἀκμή referred to the critical moment when a commander needed to make a decisive move, adding depth to its New Testament usage regarding spiritual decisiveness.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀκμή in medical terminology to describe the peak or crisis point of an illness, maintaining a connection to its ancient usage.

Remember This

ἀκμήν captures that pivotal moment when spiritual understanding hangs in the balance, reminding us that growth in God’s truth is a journey requiring both His patience and our persistence.