Understanding ἀναίδεια (anaideia) Strong’s G335: The Shameless Persistence that Moves God’s Heart in Prayer

Pronunciation Guide: ah-NAY-day-ah

Basic Definition

Strong’s G335: ἀναίδεια refers to a bold, persistent, and shameless determination, particularly in making requests. In biblical usage, it describes an undaunted tenacity that continues pressing forward despite potential social barriers or personal discomfort. This quality, while potentially negative in secular contexts, takes on a positive connotation in prayer when directed toward God.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Derived from α (negative prefix) + αἰδώς (aidos, “shame, modesty, reverence”)
• Primary usage in narrative teaching sections
• Rare in New Testament (hapax legomenon)
• Common in Classical Greek literature

ἀναίδεια Morphology:

• ἀναίδεια (nominative singular) – shameless persistence
• ἀναιδείας (genitive singular) – of shameless persistence
• ἀναιδείᾳ (dative singular) – with/in shameless persistence

Origin & History

The term ἀναίδεια has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it typically carried negative connotations of impudence or shamelessness. Plato used it in “Republic” to describe behavior lacking proper social restraint. Aristotle, in his “Nicomachean Ethics,” contrasted it with appropriate αἰδώς (reverence).

In the Septuagint, while the root word αἰδώς appears in contexts of modesty and proper reverence, ἀναίδεια is notably used in Sirach 25:22 to describe negative boldness. However, the New Testament transforms this concept in Luke’s Gospel, recasting it as a positive spiritual attribute in prayer.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Persistence without shame or hesitation
• Bold determination in making requests
• Tenacious perseverance despite social conventions
• Undaunted importunity in seeking a response

ἀναίδεια Translation Options:

• Shameless Persistence – Best captures both the boldness and continuing nature
• Importunity (KJV) – Traditional translation emphasizing persistent requesting
• Shameless Audacity (NIV) – Highlights the bold nature of the requests
• Brazen Persistence – Emphasizes the uninhibited determination

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀναίδεια appears only once, in Luke 11:8, where Jesus uses it in the parable of the friend at midnight. This strategic placement within Jesus’ teaching on prayer suggests its importance in understanding proper prayer attitudes. The context shows it operating alongside and complementing προσευχή (prayer) and αἴτησις (petition).

While the word appears only once, its theological implications echo throughout Scripture in examples of persistent prayer and bold faith:

• “Because of his shameless persistence [ἀναίδεια] he will get up and give him whatever he needs.” Luke 11:8

Cultural Insights

In ancient Middle Eastern culture, hospitality was a sacred duty. The midnight visitor in Jesus’ parable places his friend in a social dilemma: maintain sleep comfort or fulfill hospitality obligations. The ἀναίδεια of the neighbor transcends normal social boundaries because the need outweighs social propriety.

This cultural context illuminates why Jesus chose this specific word. In a society where shame and honor were paramount, He deliberately used a term suggesting “shamelessness” to teach about prayer, effectively saying that in approaching God, we should be willing to lay aside our social pretenses and pride.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀναίδεια in prayer contexts reveals a profound truth about God’s character. Unlike human relationships where persistence might be seen as pestering, God invites such boldness. This invitation demonstrates His patience, His desire for relationship, and His joy in responding to His children’s needs.

The placement of this term within Jesus’ broader teaching on prayer suggests that God is not annoyed by our persistence but rather delights in it as evidence of our faith and dependence on Him. This understanding transforms our view of prayer from mere polite religious activity to bold, persistent communion with our Heavenly Father.

Personal Application

This word challenges believers to examine their prayer life. Do we approach God with polite, distant formality, or with the bold persistence of a child confident in their father’s love? ἀναίδεια invites us to pray with holy boldness, understanding that our persistence in prayer doesn’t annoy God but pleases Him.

Consider cultivating this kind of persistence in your own prayer life, especially when praying for seemingly impossible situations or long-standing needs. Remember, this isn’t about wearing God down but about developing the kind of faith that refuses to give up.

Related Words

• παρρησία (parrhesia) – boldness, confidence in speech – Similar in expressing boldness but focuses on freedom of speech rather than persistence. See G3954
• προσκαρτέρησις (proskarteresis) – perseverance, especially in prayer – Shares the concept of persistence but without the shame/social convention aspect. See G4343
• ὑπομονή (hypomone) – patient endurance – Related to persistence but emphasizes the waiting aspect rather than active requesting. See G5281
• θάρσος (tharsos) – courage, confidence – Connected to boldness but without the specific prayer context. See G2294

Did you Know?

• Modern Greek still uses ἀναίδεια, but primarily with negative connotations of impudence or irreverence, making the New Testament’s positive usage particularly striking.
• The concept of ἀναίδεια in prayer finds parallels in Jewish literature, particularly in the stories of the Chasidic masters who taught that prayer should be offered with “holy chutzpah.”
• The medieval Jewish scholar Rashi, while commenting on similar Hebrew concepts, noted that persistence in prayer isn’t about changing God’s mind but about changing ourselves through sustained spiritual engagement.

Remember This

ἀναίδεια reminds us that in prayer, persistence isn’t presumption – it’s faith in action.