Understanding ἀναντιρρήτως (anantirrētōs) Strong’s G369: The Unquestionable Response of Faith and Obedience

Pronunciation Guide: an-an-tir-RAY-toce

Basic Definition

Strong’s G369: A rare adverb meaning “without contradiction,” “without objection,” or “unquestionably.” This word emphasizes absolute certainty and immediate compliance without dispute or hesitation. In biblical usage, it often carries the connotation of faithful obedience and wholehearted acceptance of divine direction.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adverb
• Root Components: ἀν- (negative prefix) + ἀντί (against) + ῥητός (spoken)
• Language Origin: Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative and teaching passages
• Compound Word Structure: Triple compound

ἀναντιρρήτως Morphology:

• ἀναντιρρήτως (adverbial form) – without contradiction
• ἀναντίρρητος (adjective base form) – indisputable
• ἀναντιρρήτου (genitive form) – of the indisputable
• ἀναντιρρήτῳ (dative form) – to/for the indisputable

Origin & History

The word ἀναντιρρήτως emerges from classical Greek legal and philosophical discourse, where it described statements or propositions that were beyond dispute or contradiction. In Aristotelian logic, similar constructions were used to denote axiomatic truths that required no further proof or argumentation.

The term appears in various Hellenistic documents, particularly in formal decrees and legal pronouncements where immediate compliance was expected. The renowned historian Polybius (2nd century BCE) employed related forms in his Histories to describe undisputed historical facts and uncontested military victories.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete absence of objection or dispute
• Immediate and unquestioning compliance
• Beyond any possibility of contradiction
• Absolute certainty in action or response

ἀναντιρρήτως Translation Options:

• “Without hesitation” – Emphasizes the immediacy of response
• “Without objection” – Highlights the absence of dispute
• “Unquestioningly” – Stresses the complete acceptance
• “Without contradiction” – Focuses on the unified response
• “Without any gainsaying” – More formal, archaic rendering that captures the legal undertone

Biblical Usage

The word ἀναντιρρήτως appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 10:29, where Peter declares his immediate obedience to the divine summons to visit Cornelius’s house: “Therefore I came without objection [ἀναντιρρήτως] when I was sent for.” This usage is particularly significant as it marks a pivotal moment in the early Church’s understanding of the universal scope of the gospel message.

While the exact form is rare, related constructions appear in early Christian literature, particularly in apologetic works defending the faith against various heresies. The concept becomes especially important in early Church councils where doctrinal statements were formulated to be ἀναντίρρητος (indisputable).

• “Therefore also I came without opposition [ἀναντιρρήτως] when I was sent for.” Acts 10:29

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of unquestioning obedience to divine commands was deeply rooted in the Hebrew understanding of faith (אמונה, emunah). This mindset is exemplified in Abraham’s immediate response to divine calls, particularly in the Akedah (the binding of Isaac). The Greek term ἀναντιρρήτως captures this same spirit of unhesitating compliance that characterized faithful Jewish response to divine direction.

The legal undertones of ἀναντιρρήτως would have resonated strongly with both Jewish and Gentile audiences in the first century. In Roman legal proceedings, certain declarations were considered ἀναντίρρητος (indisputable), requiring immediate acceptance and compliance. This legal background illuminates Peter’s use of the term to describe his response to the divine directive.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀναντιρρήτως in Acts 10:29 represents a profound theological moment in salvation history. Peter’s unquestioning obedience, despite his initial reservations about entering a Gentile home, demonstrates how divine revelation should override human prejudices and traditions. This single word encapsulates the proper response to divine direction: immediate, complete, and unquestioning compliance.

The term also reflects the nature of divine truth itself – certain, authoritative, and beyond dispute. When Yahweh speaks, the appropriate response is not debate or hesitation but immediate acceptance and action. This theological principle echoes throughout Scripture, from Abraham’s response to God’s call to Mary’s submission to the angelic announcement.

Personal Application

In our modern context, where questioning authority is often seen as a virtue, ἀναντιρρήτως challenges us to examine our response to divine direction. When we clearly understand God’s will through His Word or providential guidance, do we respond with immediate obedience, or do we hesitate and rationalize?

Consider how this word might transform our prayer life and decision-making process. When we receive clear biblical guidance or conviction from the Holy Spirit, the example of Peter teaches us to respond with unhesitating obedience, trusting that God’s wisdom surpasses our limited understanding.

Related Words

• ἀναντίλεκτος (anantilektos) – incontrovertible, undeniable – Similar emphasis on undisputed truth but used more in doctrinal contexts See G369
• πειθαρχέω (peitharcheō) – to obey authority – Related concept of submission but focuses more on the action than the attitude See G3980
• ὑπακοή (hypakoē) – obedience, compliance – Broader term for obedience but without the specific sense of “without question” See G5218
• εὐθέως (eutheōs) – immediately, straightway – Shares the concept of immediate response but without the specific sense of “without objection” See G2112

Did you Know?

• The word ἀναντιρρήτως is one of the longest adverbs in the New Testament, containing three distinct prefixes and a root word, making it a linguistic masterpiece of precision.
• In modern Greek legal documents, derivatives of this word are still used to indicate statements or evidence that are beyond dispute in court proceedings, maintaining its ancient legal significance.
• The concept embodied in ἀναντιρρήτως finds a fascinating parallel in Jewish military terminology, where certain commands were to be obeyed “without question” (בלי שאלה, bli she’elah), especially in matters of life and death.

Remember This

ἀναντιρρήτως represents the perfect synthesis of faith and action – when divine direction meets immediate, unquestioning obedience.