Understanding ἀπελεγμός (apelegmos) Strong’s G557: The Divine Refutation that Exposes Truth

Pronunciation Guide: ap-el-eg-mos’ (ἀπελεγμός)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G557: A comprehensive refutation or disproof that exposes error and reveals truth. The word carries the sense of being thoroughly examined and found wanting, leading to complete discredit. In its biblical context, it specifically refers to the process of thorough investigation that leads to conclusive exposure of falsehood.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (Masculine)
• Derived from ἀπό (apo, “from”) + ἐλέγχω (elegchō, “to expose, convict, refute”)
• Used primarily in judicial and philosophical contexts
• Rare in New Testament – only appears once
• Common in Hellenistic legal documents

ἀπελεγμός Morphology:

• ἀπελεγμός (nominative singular) – refutation/exposure
• ἀπελεγμοῦ (genitive singular) – of refutation
• ἀπελεγμῷ (dative singular) – in/by refutation
• ἀπελεγμόν (accusative singular) – refutation (direct object)

Origin & History

The word ἀπελεγμός emerged from classical Greek legal and philosophical discourse, where it was used to describe the process of thorough investigation leading to conclusive proof or disproof. Plato uses the root form ἐλέγχω in his “Apology” when describing Socrates’ method of questioning to expose false wisdom. The compound form with ἀπό intensifies the meaning, suggesting complete or thorough refutation.

In Hellenistic literature, particularly in papyri documents dealing with legal matters, ἀπελεγμός appears in contexts of formal investigations where claims are thoroughly examined and either validated or discredited. The historian Polybius (Histories 18.37.7) employs it when describing how false diplomatic claims were completely exposed through careful examination.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A thorough investigation resulting in exposure of falsehood
• Complete refutation through careful examination
• The process of testing that leads to discrediting false claims
• The state of being proven false or discredited

ἀπελεγμός Translation Options:

• “Complete refutation” – Emphasizes the thoroughness of the disproving process
• “Exposure through investigation” – Highlights the revelatory aspect
• “Thorough discrediting” – Focuses on the outcome
• “Conclusive disproof” – Stresses the definitive nature of the refutation

Biblical Usage

The term ἀπελεγμός appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 19:27, where it describes the potential discrediting of the goddess Artemis’s reputation. The context involves the silversmith Demetrius expressing fear that the preaching of Paul would lead to a complete refutation of pagan worship, specifically the cult of Artemis in Ephesus.

While the word appears only once, its root ἐλέγχω appears frequently in contexts of exposing sin (John 3:20), conviction by the Holy Spirit (John 16:8), and church discipline (1 Timothy 5:20).

• “and that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be counted as nothing, and that she will be deposed [ἀπελεγμός] from her magnificence” Acts 19:27

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, particularly in Ephesus, the cult of Artemis was not merely a religious system but the foundation of social, economic, and political life. The temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, and the goddess was believed to have fallen from heaven (Acts 19:35). The use of ἀπελεγμός in this context would have been particularly powerful to the original readers, as it suggested not just the discrediting of a belief system but the complete dismantling of an entire societal structure.

The word carried legal connotations in Hellenistic culture, often used in court proceedings when evidence was presented that thoroughly disproved a claim. This legal background adds depth to its usage in Acts, suggesting a formal and conclusive rejection of paganism’s claims through the evidence of the Gospel.

Theological Significance

The appearance of ἀπελεγμός in Acts 19:27 serves as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel. While Demetrius uses the term negatively, fearing the discrediting of Artemis, his words ironically prophesy the triumph of truth over falsehood through the power of God’s Word. This aligns with the biblical theme of light exposing darkness (Ephesians 5:13).

The word reflects a crucial aspect of God’s character – His commitment to truth and His opposition to falsehood. Just as יהוה (Yahweh) demonstrated His supremacy over false gods in the Old Testament (1 Kings 18:21-39), the Gospel continues this divine pattern of exposing and refuting falsehood while establishing truth.

Personal Application

In our modern context, ἀπελεγμός challenges us to examine our own beliefs and practices in light of God’s truth. Just as the Gospel exposed the emptiness of idol worship in Ephesus, we are called to allow God’s Word to thoroughly examine and refute any false beliefs or practices in our lives.

This word also encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, knowing that the truth of the Gospel has the power to thoroughly refute opposing worldviews. However, we must remember to present this truth with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15), recognizing that our goal is not merely to win arguments but to win hearts for the Messiah.

Related Words

• ἐλέγχω (elegchō) – to expose, convict, refute – Connected as the root word, focusing on the act of exposing or proving – See G1651
• διελέγχω (dielengchō) – to confute entirely – Emphasizes complete refutation through reasoning – See G1246
• καταγινώσκω (kataginōskō) – to condemn, find fault with – Similar judicial context but focuses more on the verdict than the process – See G2607
• ἀκυρόω (akuroō) – to invalidate, make void – Related to the concept of nullifying authority but through different means – See G208

Did you Know?

• The fear expressed by Demetrius about ἀπελεγμός of Artemis worship was historically fulfilled – by the 4th century CE, the great temple of Artemis had indeed fallen into complete disrepute and was eventually destroyed.
• The root word ἐλέγχω was a technical term in ancient Greek mathematics, used when a theorem was proven false through demonstration, showing how ἀπελεγμός carried the weight of mathematical certainty in its refutation.
• Modern Greek still uses derivatives of ἀπελεγμός in legal contexts, particularly in terms related to the conclusive refutation of evidence or testimony in court proceedings.

Remember This

ἀπελεγμός represents the powerful moment when truth thoroughly exposes and discredits falsehood, reminding us that God’s truth will ultimately prevail over every competing claim.