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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words can significantly enhance our grasp of New Testament texts and their deeper meanings. One such word is ὀκνέω (oknéō), found in Acts 9:38. This verb, which means “to hesitate” or “to delay,” adds nuance to passages where promptness or hesitation in action is emphasized. In the ancient world, hesitation could imply caution, reluctance, or even fear, and understanding this word helps us appreciate the subtle dynamics in both the cultural and theological contexts of the New Testament.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὀκνέω (oknéō), pronounced ok-NEH-o.

Etymology: The root of oknéō likely stems from ancient Greek notions of hesitation or delay, often associated with fear or uncertainty. It shares roots with words in classical Greek that reflect caution or a reluctance to act.

Part of Speech: Verb. Oknéō is a verb, used to describe an action, particularly the act of delaying or hesitating. It often implies a mental process where one is unsure or unwilling to proceed immediately.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Hesitate: In its most basic sense, oknéō refers to the act of pausing or hesitating before taking action. This hesitation may stem from uncertainty, fear, or a need for caution.

2. To Delay: Beyond mere hesitation, oknéō can also imply a delay in action, whether intentional or due to external circumstances. This delay might be seen negatively (as procrastination) or neutrally (as prudence).

3. To Be Reluctant: Another shade of meaning is reluctance. Oknéō conveys a sense of not wanting to proceed, often due to an emotional or psychological barrier such as fear or doubt.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἀναβάλλω (anabállō) [pronunciation: ana-BAHL-lo]: This word means “to delay” but is more focused on postponement, often for strategic or practical reasons, whereas oknéō emphasizes hesitation or reluctance due to internal factors.

2. ὑποχωρέω (hypochōréō) [pronunciation: hoo-po-kho-REH-o]: Meaning “to retreat” or “to withdraw,” hypochōréō implies a more physical or strategic withdrawal, unlike oknéō, which is more about mental hesitation.

3. μέλλω (méllō) [pronunciation: MEL-lo]: This word means “to be about to” or “to intend,” sometimes implying a delay before action. However, méllō is more neutral, without the connotation of hesitation or fear inherent in oknéō.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

• Tense, Voice, Mood: Oknéō appears primarily in the present tense, indicating an ongoing state of hesitation or delay. It can be used in the active voice, where the subject is the one hesitating. In Acts 9:38, it is used in the imperative mood, where the disciples urge Peter not to delay.

• Person and Number: In Acts 9:38, oknéō is used in the second person singular (as an imperative), addressing Peter directly. It highlights the urgency of the request made to him.

• Aspect: The imperfective aspect of oknéō emphasizes the ongoing nature of hesitation or delay. In its present tense form, it implies that the action of hesitating or delaying is happening continuously or habitually.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Oknéō is generally understood across lexicons as a verb of hesitation or delay, often linked to feelings of reluctance or fear. In New Testament contexts, it highlights moments when immediate action is required, yet human hesitation presents a barrier. In classical Greek, oknéō carried the same connotations of reluctance, particularly in contexts of war, leadership, or other high-stakes situations where prompt action was crucial. Its theological implications in the New Testament emphasize the importance of trusting divine guidance without hesitating, as hesitation could hinder God’s work.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 9:38: “And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay [ὀκνέω] to come to them.”

2. Romans 12:11: “Not slothful [ὀκνηροί] in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”

3. Philippians 2:28: “I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English text with the Greek word in parentheses

Herodotus Histories “The general hesitated (ὀκνέω) before launching the attack, unsure of the enemy’s numbers.”

Xenophon Anabasis “The soldiers, out of fear, hesitated (ὀκνέω) to follow the commander’s orders.”

Plato Republic “The philosopher, though wise, hesitates (ὀκνέω) when faced with the choice between action and contemplation.”

Noteworthy Summary

Oknéō emphasizes hesitation, reluctance, or delay in taking action. In the New Testament, it is used to convey the urgency of acting promptly in response to God’s call, as seen in Acts 9:38. Understanding oknéō gives us deeper insight into moments when hesitation could obstruct divine purposes. Classical Greek literature also used the word in similar contexts, particularly to describe reluctance or fear in decision-making, often in high-stakes situations like warfare or leadership.

Did You Know?

1. The word oknéō is related to the Greek term for “slothfulness,” implying not just delay but a failure to act due to fear or laziness.

2. In Acts 9:38, the disciples urgently request Peter not to hesitate, as they needed his presence for a miraculous intervention.

3. In classical Greek, oknéō often appears in military contexts, where hesitation could mean the difference between victory and defeat.