Pronunciation Guide: ah-ko-LOO-toce

Basic Definition

Strong’s G209: ἀκωλύτως is an adverb meaning “unhinderedly, without impediment, freely.” It describes action that proceeds without external restraint or interference, emphasizing complete freedom to accomplish a purpose. In its biblical context, it particularly relates to the unhindered proclamation of God’s Word and the unstoppable advancement of His kingdom purposes.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adverb
• Root Word: Compound of ἀ- (negative prefix) + κωλύω (to hinder/prevent)
• Language Origin: Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative sections describing ministry activity
• Literary Classification: Prose/Historical narrative

ἀκωλύτως Morphology:

• ἀκωλύτως (adverbial form) – without hindrance/freely
  (As an adverb, this word has only one form)

Origin & History

The term ἀκωλύτως emerges from classical Greek literature where it was used to describe unimpeded movement or action. The base word κωλύω appears in works by Thucydides in his “History of the Peloponnesian War” when discussing military operations proceeding without opposition.

In Hellenistic literature, the word gained broader application, describing any activity that could proceed without external interference or restriction. Plutarch uses it in his “Parallel Lives” to describe the free exercise of authority or the unhindered pursuit of one’s purposes.

The addition of the alpha privative (ἀ-) to form the adverb creates a powerful expression of complete freedom from hindrance, emphasizing not just ease of action but the total absence of effective opposition.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Primary action proceeding without external impediment
• Freedom from restrictive interference
• Unrestricted ability to accomplish a purpose
• Complete liberty of action

ἀκωλύτως Translation Options:

• “Without hindrance” – Emphasizes the absence of external opposition
• “Freely” – Captures the positive aspect of unrestricted action
• “Without impediment” – Highlights the removal of obstacles
• “Unhinderedly” – Most literal translation maintaining the adverbial form

Biblical Usage

The term ἀκωλύτως appears only once in the New Testament, serving as the final word of the Book of Acts. This placement is significant as it emphasizes the unstoppable nature of God’s Word and the fulfillment of the Messiah’s promise that His gospel would reach the ends of the earth.

In Acts 28:31, the word describes Paul’s ministry in Rome while under house arrest. Despite his chains, he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus the Messiah “without hindrance.” This powerful conclusion to Acts demonstrates that no earthly power can truly impede the advancement of God’s purposes.

While the word itself appears only once in the New Testament, its concept is reflected throughout Scripture, particularly in passages describing the unstoppable nature of God’s Word and purposes:

• “Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, without hindrance [ἀκωλύτως].” Acts 28:31

Cultural Insights

In the Roman world, the concept of acting “without hindrance” often related to official permission or legal right. The use of ἀκωλύτως in Acts 28:31 carries a subtle irony – Paul, though physically bound, exercises greater freedom in proclamation than many who were physically free. This paradox would have resonated deeply with the original readers who understood the concept of Roman citizenship and its privileges.

The word also reflects a significant theme in Jewish thought regarding the unstoppable nature of God’s purposes. This connects to the Hebrew concept of צָלַח (tsalach), which describes prospering or breaking through barriers, seen in passages like Isaiah 55:11 where יהוה (Yahweh) declares that His Word will not return void.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀκωλύτως in Acts 28:31 serves as a triumphant declaration of God’s sovereignty over human opposition. Despite imprisonment, persecution, and numerous attempts to silence the gospel, the message of the Messiah continued to spread unhindered. This demonstrates that what God purposes cannot be stopped by human opposition or circumstance.

The word’s appearance at the conclusion of Acts is particularly significant as it reinforces the book’s major theme: the unstoppable advancement of God’s kingdom from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It stands as a powerful testimony that the Messiah’s promise in Acts 1:8 was indeed fulfilled.

This concept carries profound implications for understanding God’s sovereignty and the certainty of His promises. No opposition, whether human or spiritual, can ultimately prevent the accomplishment of His divine purposes.

Personal Application

The powerful truth of ἀκωλύτως encourages believers to trust in God’s ability to accomplish His purposes through them despite apparent obstacles. When we align ourselves with His will, we can proceed with confidence knowing that no opposition can ultimately prevent what He has purposed.

This word challenges us to examine our own perception of obstacles in our spiritual life and ministry. Are we allowing perceived hindrances to limit our obedience to God’s calling? The testimony of Paul reminds us that even chains cannot bind the Word of God.

Related Words

• κωλύω (kōluō) – to hinder, prevent, forbid – Shows the base word from which our term derives – See G2967
• ἐλευθερία (eleutheria) – freedom, liberty – Describes the state of being free to act – See G1657
• παρρησία (parrhēsia) – boldness, confidence, especially in speech – Often accompanies unhindered proclamation – See G3954
• ἀκαταλύτως (akatalutōs) – indestructibly, endlessly – Similar compound construction with alpha privative – See G179

Did you Know?

• Did you know that ἀκωλύτως is the very last word in the Greek text of Acts? This placement emphasizes the unstoppable nature of God’s Word as the book’s final message.
• Did you know that while Paul wrote many of his most influential letters while in chains, including Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, the Word of God continued to spread ἀκωλύτως (without hindrance) through these prison epistles?
• Did you know that in modern Greek, derivatives of this word are still used in legal contexts to describe actions that can be performed without requiring special permission or authorization?

Remember This

ἀκωλύτως stands as a powerful testament that when God purposes something, no chain, prison, persecution, or earthly power can hinder its accomplishment.