Pronunciation Guide: ah-peh-ree-SPAS-toce

Basic Definition

Strong’s G563: An adverb meaning “without distraction” or “without being pulled away,” describing a state of single-minded focus and undivided attention. It emphasizes the concept of being free from the pull of competing interests or concerns to maintain complete devotion to a particular purpose or person.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adverb
• Derived from ἀ- (negative prefix) + περισπάω (perispao, “to pull around, distract”)
• Used primarily in teaching and exhortation contexts
• Classical Greek origin with philosophical undertones
• Rare word in New Testament (hapax legomenon)

ἀπερισπάστως Morphology:

• ἀπερισπάστως (adverbial form) – without distraction
• περισπάω (verb root) – to be distracted
• περίσπαστος (adjective form) – distracted, pulled about

Origin & History

The word ἀπερισπάστως emerges from classical Greek philosophical discourse where it was used to describe the ideal state of mental concentration necessary for philosophical contemplation. Plato and later Stoic philosophers employed related terms to discuss the importance of maintaining undistracted focus in pursuit of wisdom and virtue.

In Hellenistic literature, the concept gained prominence in discussions about religious devotion and spiritual disciplines. The term appears in various philosophical treatises, particularly those dealing with meditation and religious observance, where it describes the ideal state of mind for worship and contemplation.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete freedom from distracting concerns or competing interests
• Single-minded devotion and undivided attention
• State of being fully present and focused on one priority

ἀπερισπάστως Translation Options:

• “Without distraction” – Emphasizes the absence of competing demands
• “Without being pulled away” – Highlights the resistance to external forces
• “Single-mindedly” – Captures the positive aspect of focused attention
• “Undividedly” – Stresses the completeness of devotion

Biblical Usage

The term appears uniquely in 1 Corinthians 7:35 where Paul discusses marriage and devotion to the Lord. In this context, ἀπερισπάστως describes the ideal state of undistracted devotion to God that Paul desires for believers. The apostle uses this term to emphasize the value of being free from worldly concerns that might compete with one’s spiritual focus.

The concept, though not the exact term, appears throughout Scripture in passages emphasizing single-minded devotion to God, such as Matthew 6:24 and Luke 10:41-42.

• “But I say this for your own benefit, not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted [ἀπερισπάστως] devotion to the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 7:35

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, the concept of undistracted devotion was highly valued in both philosophical and religious contexts. The term would have resonated with Paul’s readers who were familiar with Stoic philosophy’s emphasis on maintaining focus despite external circumstances. However, Paul transforms this philosophical ideal into a spiritual virtue, applying it specifically to devotion to the Lord.

The Jewish concept of kavanah (כַּוָּנָה), meaning intention or direction of the heart, particularly in prayer and worship, parallels the idea expressed in ἀπερισπάστως. This connection highlights how the term bridges Greek philosophical ideals with Jewish spiritual practices, making it particularly meaningful in the context of early Messianic communities.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀπερισπάστως in 1 Corinthians 7:35 reveals profound theological truths about the nature of genuine devotion to God. It suggests that authentic worship and service to the Lord require not just external compliance but internal focus and dedication. This concept aligns with Yeshua’s teaching about the impossibility of serving two masters and the importance of seeking first the kingdom of God.

The term also reflects the theological principle that our relationship with God demands our whole being – heart, soul, mind, and strength. It suggests that divided attention in spiritual matters can diminish the quality of our communion with God and our effectiveness in His service.

Personal Application

In our modern world of constant notifications, endless distractions, and competing demands, the concept of ἀπερισπάστως challenges us to cultivate spaces of undistracted devotion to God. This might involve setting aside specific times for prayer and Bible study free from electronic interruptions, or making conscious choices about commitments that could divide our spiritual focus.

The term invites us to examine our lives and identify areas where worldly concerns may be pulling us away from full devotion to the Lord. It calls us to intentionally create margins in our lives that allow for deep, undistracted communion with God.

Related Words

• προσκαρτερέω (proskartereō) – to persist, persevere, continue steadfastly – See G4342
• ἀμέριμνος (amerimnos) – free from anxiety, without care – See G275
• νήφω (nēphō) – to be sober, vigilant, clear-minded – See G3525
• σπουδή (spoudē) – earnestness, diligence, zeal – See G4710

Did you Know?

• The prefix ἀ- (a-) in ἀπερισπάστως is the same negative prefix used in words like “atheist” or “amoral,” indicating the complete absence of distraction rather than just minimal distraction.
• The root word περισπάω (perispao) is the same word used to describe Martha’s state of being “distracted with much serving” in Luke 10:40, creating a powerful contrast with Mary’s focused attention on Yeshua.
• Modern Greek still uses the concept in words related to concentration and focus, particularly in academic and meditation contexts.

Remember This

ἀπερισπάστως represents the beautiful possibility of maintaining undivided devotion to God in a world full of distractions, reminding us that single-minded focus on Him is both our highest calling and greatest joy.