Pronunciation Guide: ah’-log-os

Basic Definition

Strong’s G249: ἄλογος (alogos) describes that which is contrary to reason, irrational, or absurd. The word combines the negative prefix ‘a-‘ (without) with ‘logos’ (reason/word), literally meaning “without reason” or “speechless.” In biblical usage, it particularly emphasizes behavior or actions that defy logical explanation or reasonable justification from a divine perspective.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root Components: ἀ- (negative prefix) + λόγος (logos, meaning word/reason)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative and teaching passages
• Literary Context: Used in ethical instruction and descriptive contexts

ἄλογος Morphology:

• ἄλογος (nominative singular masculine/feminine) – unreasonable/irrational
• ἄλογον (nominative/accusative singular neuter) – unreasonable thing
• ἀλόγου (genitive singular) – of the unreasonable
• ἀλόγῳ (dative singular) – to/for the unreasonable
• ἄλογοι (nominative plural) – unreasonable ones

Origin & History

The term ἄλογος has a rich history in classical Greek philosophy, where it was used to describe that which stood outside the bounds of rational thought or logical explanation. Plato employed it in “Republic” to describe aspects of the soul that operated independently of reason. Aristotle, in his “Nicomachean Ethics,” used it to describe behavior that departed from rational principles.

In Hellenistic literature, the word evolved to describe not just the absence of reason but also the active opposition to reasonable behavior or explanation. This semantic development helped bridge its classical philosophical usage to its New Testament applications.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• That which defies or lacks logical explanation
• Behavior contrary to divine wisdom or reasonable conduct
• Unable to speak or express oneself rationally
• Acting in ways that contradict sound judgment

ἄλογος Translation Options:

• “unreasonable” – emphasizes the departure from rational thought or behavior
• “irrational” – highlights the opposition to logical thinking
• “without reason” – literal rendering that captures the etymological sense
• “absurd” – emphasizes the extreme nature of the irrationality
• “contrary to reason” – reflects the active opposition to rational thought

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἄλογος appears in contexts that highlight actions or attitudes that defy not just human reason but divine wisdom. Its first appearance in Acts 25:27 showcases its use in administrative context, where Festus considers it unreasonable to send a prisoner without specifying charges.

The word carries particular weight in ethical contexts, especially when describing behavior that contradicts God’s revealed wisdom. It appears in passages discussing moral conduct and spiritual discernment.

Key appearances include:

• “For it seems unreasonable [ἄλογος] to me to send a prisoner without specifying the charges against him.” Acts 25:27
• “But these, like irrational [ἄλογα] animals, creatures of instinct” 2 Peter 2:12
• “But like unreasoning [ἄλογα] animals” Jude 1:10

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish thought, the concept of acting without reason (ἄλογος) was particularly grievous because it represented a departure from humanity’s divine image-bearing capacity for rational thought. The rabbinical tradition emphasized that what separated humans from animals was their ability to reason and make moral choices aligned with God’s wisdom.

This understanding illuminates why the apostolic writers, particularly Peter and Jude, used ἄλογος to describe those who rejected divine truth, comparing them to unreasoning animals. This comparison would have been especially pointed in a culture that valued rational discourse and moral reasoning.

Theological Significance

The use of ἄλογος in the New Testament reveals a profound theological truth about the nature of sin and rebellion against God. When humans act ἄλογος, they’re not just being illogical—they’re actively opposing the divine Logos, the Word made flesh in the Messiah Jesus. This connection becomes especially significant when we consider that the same root word λόγος is used to describe our Lord in John 1:1.

This word also highlights the fundamental irrationality of sin. When we act against God’s wisdom, we’re not just making poor choices—we’re acting in ways that defy the very structure of reality as established by the Creator. This helps us understand why the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

Personal Application

Understanding ἄλογος challenges us to examine our own decision-making processes and motivations. Are our choices aligned with divine wisdom, or are we acting in ways that defy godly reason? This word reminds us that true rationality is found in submission to God’s wisdom, not in following our own understanding.

In our daily walk with the Lord, we should pray for discernment to recognize when we’re tempted to act ἄλογος—to make choices that might seem reasonable to our fallen nature but actually contradict divine wisdom. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, helping us align our reasoning with God’s perfect wisdom.

Related Words

• νοῦς (nous) – mind, understanding, reason (emphasizes the faculty of thinking) See G3563
• φρόνησις (phronēsis) – wisdom, prudence, practical understanding See G5428
• σοφία (sophia) – wisdom, especially divine wisdom See G4678
• λογικός (logikos) – reasonable, rational, of the word See G3050

Did you Know?

• In modern Greek, ἄλογο (alogo) has come to mean “horse,” reflecting the ancient understanding of horses as creatures acting on instinct rather than reason—a fascinating linguistic development that preserves the original concept of “without logos.”
• The combination of ἀ- (without) and λόγος (word/reason) follows a common Greek pattern of forming concepts by negation, similar to how we form words like “amoral” or “atheist” in English.
• The use of ἄλογος in legal contexts, as seen in Acts 25:27, reflects its important role in ancient judicial proceedings where it was used to describe actions that violated established legal reasoning and precedent.

Remember This

ἄλογος stands as a powerful reminder that true wisdom and rationality flow from alignment with God’s character and ways—anything else, no matter how reasonable it may seem to human understanding, is ultimately unreasonable in light of divine truth.