Understanding ἀξίως (axiōs) Strong’s G516: Living Worthy of Our Divine Calling – A Deep Dive into Biblical Excellence

Pronunciation Guide: ak-see-oce

Basic Definition

Strong’s G516: ἀξίως is an adverb that means “worthily, in a manner worthy of, suitably, properly.” It describes actions or conduct that appropriately correspond to and reflect the dignity, worth, or character of someone or something.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adverb
• Root Word: ἄξιος (axios) – worthy, suitable, deserving
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in epistolary literature, particularly in exhortations and ethical instructions

ἀξίως Morphology:

• ἀξίως (adverbial form) – worthily
• ἄξιος (adjective form) – worthy
• ἀξιόω (verbal form) – to count worthy, to deem right

Origin & History

The word ἀξίως emerges from classical Greek where it carried the sense of “weighing as much as” or “of equal value.” In ancient Greek commerce, it was connected to the concept of worth in monetary transactions, where something was deemed ἄξιος if it was “worth its price.” Plato used it in his “Republic” (VI.485a) to describe actions befitting a philosopher’s character.

In the Septuagint, the concept appears in various forms, particularly in wisdom literature, where living “worthily” before God is a central theme. The term gained special significance in Hellenistic Jewish literature, as seen in 4 Maccabees 6:22, where it describes behavior worthy of one’s religious convictions.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Living in a manner that matches a standard or calling
• Conducting oneself appropriately given one’s position or responsibility
• Behaving in a way that reflects proper worth or value
• Acting in accordance with received honor or privilege

ἀξίως Translation Options:

• “Worthily” – Emphasizes the qualitative aspect of matching a standard
• “In a manner worthy of” – Best captures the relational aspect of the term
• “Suitably” – Helpful when emphasizing appropriateness to context
• “As befits” – Useful when stressing proper correspondence

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀξίως appears eight times, primarily in Pauline letters where it often introduces ethical imperatives. The term consistently carries the idea of living in a manner that corresponds to something of great worth—whether that’s the gospel, one’s calling, or God Himself.

The [First Appearance] in Romans 16:2 sets the tone for its usage, where Paul instructs the Roman believers to receive Phoebe “in a manner worthy [ἀξίως] of the saints.”

• “That you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy [ἀξίως] of the saints” Romans 16:2
• “To walk worthy [ἀξίως] of the Lord” Colossians 1:10
• “To walk worthy [ἀξίως] of the calling” Ephesians 4:1
• “To walk worthy [ἀξίως] of God” 1 Thessalonians 2:12
• “To walk worthy [ἀξίως] of the gospel” Philippians 1:27

Cultural Insights

In ancient Mediterranean culture, the concept of “walking worthily” was deeply connected to the patron-client relationship. When a patron bestowed benefits (χάρις, charis) on a client, the client was expected to respond ἀξίως—in a manner worthy of the benefit received. This cultural framework illuminates Paul’s frequent use of ἀξίως in describing the believer’s response to God’s grace.

The term also carried weight in ancient Jewish synagogue communities where it described behavior that properly reflected one’s status as a member of God’s covenant people. This understanding bridges the gap between Old Testament concepts of holy living and New Testament ethical instructions.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀξίως in the New Testament presents a beautiful paradox: while no one is inherently “worthy” of God’s calling and grace, believers are called to live in a manner worthy of what they have received. This highlights the transformative nature of God’s grace—it not only saves but enables and empowers appropriate response.

The term appears at crucial junctures in Paul’s letters where he transitions from doctrinal teaching to practical application, suggesting that theology and ethics are inseparable. Living ἀξίως of the gospel means allowing the reality of what God has done in the Messiah Jesus to shape every aspect of one’s life.

Personal Application

Living ἀξίως challenges believers to regularly evaluate whether their conduct appropriately reflects their calling in the Messiah. It’s not about earning God’s favor but about living in alignment with the incredible privileges and responsibilities we’ve received through His grace.

This calls for intentional reflection: Does my life reflect the worth of the gospel I proclaim? Do my actions demonstrate the value I place on God’s calling? The goal isn’t perfection but progressive transformation as we grow in living worthy of our high calling in the Messiah.

Related Words

• τιμή (timē) [tee-MAY] – honor, value, worth – Similar in expressing value but focuses more on honor and price rather than suitable conduct. See G5092
• πρεπόντως (prepontōs) [prep-ON-toce] – fittingly, properly – Overlaps with ἀξίως but emphasizes external appropriateness rather than internal worth. See G4241
• εὐσχημόνως (euschēmonōs) [yoo-skhay-MON-oce] – properly, decently – Related to proper behavior but focuses more on decorum and respectability. See G2156

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἀξίως in ancient Greek theater referred to actors performing their roles appropriately—staying true to the character they were portraying. This theatrical usage provides a vivid illustration of how believers should “act” in accordance with their identity in the Messiah.
• In ancient Greek philosophical schools, students were expected to live ἀξίως of their teacher’s doctrine. This cultural background enriches our understanding of Paul’s exhortations to live worthy of our calling in the Messiah.
• Modern Greek still uses ἄξιος in important ceremonial contexts, particularly in Orthodox ordination services where the congregation confirms a candidate’s worthiness by shouting “Άξιος!” (Worthy!)

Remember This

ἀξίως calls us to a life that weighs as much as our calling—where our conduct matches the incomparable worth of the gospel we’ve received.