Understanding ἀπερίτμητος (aperitmētos) Strong’s G564: The Spiritual Significance of Being Uncircumcised in Heart and Ears

Pronunciation Guide: ah-per-eet’-may-tos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G564: ἀπερίτμητος (aperitmētos) describes someone who is uncircumcised, both physically and metaphorically. In biblical usage, it particularly refers to spiritual stubbornness and resistance to God’s truth, describing those whose hearts and ears remain unresponsive to divine instruction. This powerful metaphor draws from the physical act of circumcision to illustrate a profound spiritual reality.

Etymology and Morphology

• Adjective
• Compound word from ἀ- (negative prefix) + περιτέμνω (to circumcise)
• Used primarily in teaching and prophetic contexts
• Found in both literal and metaphorical applications
• Common in Septuagint prophetic literature

ἀπερίτμητος Morphology:

• ἀπερίτμητος (nominative singular masculine) – uncircumcised
• ἀπερίτμητοι (nominative plural masculine) – uncircumcised ones
• ἀπερίτμητον (accusative singular masculine) – uncircumcised
• ἀπερίτμητοις (dative plural masculine) – to/for the uncircumcised

Origin & History

The term ἀπερίτμητος emerged from the vital Jewish religious practice of circumcision, which marked God’s covenant with Abraham. In classical Greek literature, the word appears rarely since circumcision was not a Greek practice. However, it gained significant theological weight in the Septuagint, where prophets like Jeremiah used it metaphorically to rebuke Israel’s spiritual condition.

The concept appears frequently in the works of Philo of Alexandria (On the Migration of Abraham, 92), who explored both its literal and symbolic meanings within Jewish thought. Early church fathers like Origen (Commentary on Romans, 2.13) developed the metaphorical understanding further within Christian theology.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Physical uncircumcision – the literal state of being uncircumcised
• Spiritual resistance – metaphorical hardness of heart
• Covenant exclusion – being outside God’s covenant community
• Moral impurity – state of being unclean or unpurified

ἀπερίτμητος Translation Options:

• “Uncircumcised” – emphasizes the physical/literal meaning
• “Stubborn-hearted” – captures the metaphorical sense of spiritual resistance
• “Unresponsive” – reflects the inability to hear and respond to God
• “Spiritually hardened” – conveys the state of being closed to divine truth

Biblical Usage

The term ἀπερίτμητος appears most powerfully in Acts 7:51, where Stephen confronts the Sanhedrin with their spiritual condition. This usage echoes numerous Old Testament passages where prophets used the same metaphor to challenge Israel’s disobedience.

In the Septuagint, the term appears notably in Jeremiah 9:26 and Ezekiel 44:7, where it serves as a powerful indictment of Israel’s spiritual condition.

Key Biblical References:

• “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised [ἀπερίτμητοι] in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit.” Acts 7:51
• “All the nations are uncircumcised [ἀπερίτμητα], and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in heart.” Jeremiah 9:26 (LXX)
• “You brought foreigners, uncircumcised [ἀπεριτμήτους] in heart and flesh, to be in My sanctuary.” Ezekiel 44:7 (LXX)

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, circumcision was not merely a physical act but a profound symbol of covenant relationship with יהוה (Yahweh). The metaphorical extension of being “uncircumcised in heart” would have been particularly shocking to Jewish listeners, as it suggested they were spiritually equivalent to Gentiles despite their physical circumcision.

The concept of spiritual circumcision was well-developed in Second Temple Judaism, appearing in the Dead Sea Scrolls (1QS 5:5) where the “circumcision of the heart” represented full dedication to Torah observance and spiritual purity.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀπερίτμητος reveals the profound truth that external religious observance without internal transformation is meaningless before God. This term emphasizes that true covenant relationship with God requires heart transformation, not merely external compliance with religious ritual.

The metaphor powerfully illustrates the necessity of spiritual regeneration, pointing to the Messiah’s work of creating a new heart within His people as prophesied in Ezekiel 36:26. It underscores that true faith must penetrate beyond surface-level religion to transform the core of one’s being.

Personal Application

This word challenges believers to examine whether their faith has truly transformed their hearts or remains merely external. It calls us to consider our own responsiveness to God’s Spirit and Word, prompting honest reflection on areas where we might be resistant or hardened to His voice.

Just as physical circumcision marked entrance into God’s covenant community, the circumcision of heart and ears marks true spiritual transformation and ongoing responsiveness to God’s leading.

Related Words

• περιτέμνω (peritemnō) – to circumcise, cut around – emphasizes the physical act that stands in contrast to the spiritual condition – See G4059
• σκληροκαρδία (sklērokardia) – hardness of heart – similar concept of spiritual resistance – See G4641
• ἀπειθής (apeithēs) – disobedient, unpersuadable – related to the stubborn resistance implied in being uncircumcised in heart – See G545
• περιτομή (peritomē) – circumcision – the positive counterpart representing covenant faithfulness – See G4061

Did you Know?

• The metaphor of uncircumcised hearts appears in Egyptian literature from the New Kingdom period (c. 1550-1070 BCE), suggesting it was a widespread ancient Near Eastern concept for describing spiritual insensitivity.
• The term became so significant in Jewish thought that by the first century CE, some rabbis taught that Israel’s final redemption would come only when the nation achieved true “circumcision of the heart.”
• Modern Hebrew still uses the phrase “arel lev” (uncircumcised heart) to describe someone who is spiritually or emotionally insensitive, showing the enduring impact of this biblical metaphor.

Remember This

ἀπερίτμητος reminds us that true faith transforms not just our external actions but penetrates to the very core of our being, creating hearts that are tender and responsive to God’s Spirit.