Pronunciation Guide: ah-KREE-bay-ah

Basic Definition

Strong’s G195: ἀκρίβεια refers to exactness, precision, and perfect accuracy in handling matters with the utmost care and thoroughness. It describes a meticulous attention to detail and strict adherence to standards. This word embodies the concept of careful investigation and precise observation that leads to accurate understanding and proper execution.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Derived from ἀκριβής (akribēs, “exact, precise, careful”)
• Classical Greek origin
• Primarily used in narrative and teaching passages
• Common in legal and academic contexts

ἀκρίβεια Morphology:

• ἀκρίβεια (nominative singular) – exactness
• ἀκριβείας (genitive singular) – of exactness
• ἀκριβείᾳ (dative singular) – with/in exactness

Origin & History

The word ἀκρίβεια has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was frequently used in philosophical and legal contexts. Aristotle employed it in his “Nichomachean Ethics” when discussing the precision required in different fields of study, noting that mathematical precision (ἀκρίβεια) differs from rhetorical precision.

In the Hellenistic period, the word gained prominence in administrative and legal documents, where it described the careful examination of evidence and precise execution of duties. Josephus, the first-century Jewish historian, frequently used ἀκρίβεια when describing the precise observance of Jewish law and customs.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Exactness in investigation and understanding
• Precise adherence to standards or rules
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Careful accuracy in execution

ἀκρίβεια Translation Options:

• Exactness – Best captures the precision aspect
• Strict accuracy – Emphasizes the standard of correctness
• Careful attention – Highlights the methodical process
• Perfect precision – Reflects the complete nature of the accuracy
• Thoroughness – Emphasizes the comprehensive nature

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀκρίβεια appears most notably in Acts 22:3, where Paul describes his rabbinic training under Gamaliel according to the “strict manner” (ἀκρίβεια) of the ancestral law. This usage reflects both the technical precision and devotional thoroughness characteristic of first-century Pharisaic Judaism.

While the noun form appears only once, its related forms (the adjective ἀκριβής and verb ἀκριβόω) appear throughout the New Testament, particularly in contexts involving careful investigation or precise adherence to God’s truth:

• “[ἀκρίβεια] strict manner of the law of our fathers” Acts 22:3
• “searched carefully [ἀκριβόω]” Matthew 2:7
• “look carefully [ἀκριβῶς] then how you walk” Ephesians 5:15

Cultural Insights

In first-century Jewish culture, ἀκρίβεια was particularly associated with the Pharisaic approach to Torah observance. The term reflected not just mechanical precision but a passionate devotion to understanding and applying God’s law in every detail of life. This connects to the Hebrew concept of משמרת (mishmereth), which describes the careful keeping of God’s commands with precise attention to detail.

The use of ἀκρίβεια in Paul’s defense speech is especially significant as it would have resonated with both his Jewish audience, who valued such precision in Torah observance, and his Greek listeners, who appreciated philosophical and legal exactitude.

Theological Significance

The concept of ἀκρίβεια reveals a profound truth about God’s character and His approach to revelation. It shows that God is not casual or imprecise in His communication with humanity but provides His truth with exacting detail and precision. This matches His character as revealed throughout Scripture – a God who counts the very hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7) and knows every sparrow that falls (Matthew 10:29).

This precision in God’s revelation demands a corresponding carefulness in how we handle and apply His truth. It calls us to be diligent students of His Word, examining it carefully and applying it precisely, not out of legalistic rigidity but from a heart that values every detail of God’s perfect revelation.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀκρίβεια challenges us to approach God’s Word with greater care and attention. It invites us to move beyond casual reading to careful study, beyond approximate understanding to precise application. This doesn’t mean becoming rigid or legalistic, but rather developing a holy reverence for the detailed precision of God’s truth.

When we realize that every word of Scripture is carefully chosen and precisely placed, it transforms our Bible study from a duty into a treasure hunt, where each detail reveals more of God’s character and will for our lives.

Related Words

• ἀκριβής (akribēs) – exact, precise, careful – Closely related adjective form emphasizing careful accuracy See G196
• ἀκριβόω (akriboō) – to examine carefully, determine precisely – Verb form indicating the action of careful investigation See G198
• ἀκριβῶς (akribōs) – carefully, exactly – Adverbial form describing how an action is performed with precision See G199
• διερευνάω (diereunaō) – to search out carefully – Related concept of thorough investigation See G1833

Did you Know?

• The term ἀκρίβεια was used in ancient Greek mathematics to describe geometric precision, showing its association with absolute accuracy rather than approximation.
• In modern Greek, ἀκρίβεια still carries the meaning of precision but has also developed the additional meaning of “expensive” – suggesting that precision and quality come at a cost.
• The rabbinical schools of first-century Jerusalem, where Paul studied, were known for their ἀκρίβεια in textual analysis, often examining every letter of the Torah for deeper meaning.

Remember This

ἀκρίβεια reminds us that our magnificent God is a God of precision, calling us to handle His truth with reverent care and diligent attention to detail.