Understanding ἄρρητος (arretos) Strong’s G731: The Unspeakable Words and Divine Mysteries Beyond Human Expression

Pronunciation Guide: ah-RET-os (with emphasis on the second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G731: The Greek word ἄρρητος (arretos) describes that which is inexpressible, unutterable, or unspeakable—things that cannot or must not be spoken. In Scripture, it refers to divine revelations or heavenly realities that transcend human language and comprehension. As used in its sole New Testament appearance, ἄρρητος points to divine mysteries so profound they exceed the boundaries of human speech and perhaps are even forbidden to be uttered in the earthly realm.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root Components: The negative prefix “ἀ-” (meaning “not” or “without”) + “ῥητός” (rhetos, meaning “spoken” or “uttered”)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Appears in mystical or revelatory contexts, particularly related to divine experiences
• Frequency: Extremely rare in the New Testament (appears only once)

ἄρρητος Morphology:

• ἄρρητος (nominative singular masculine/feminine) – unspeakable, inexpressible
• ἄρρητον (accusative singular neuter) – unspeakable thing
• ἀρρήτων (genitive plural) – of unspeakable things
• ἀρρήτοις (dative plural) – with/in unspeakable things

Origin & History

The word ἄρρητος has deep roots in classical Greek philosophy and religious thought, predating its biblical usage. In Greek mystery religions, particularly the Eleusinian Mysteries, “arreta” referred to the sacred secrets that initiates were forbidden to reveal to outsiders under penalty of death. Plato used the term in his dialogues (particularly in the “Seventh Letter”) to describe truths that defy verbal expression—knowledge that could only be grasped through direct insight rather than explanation.

In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures), the concept appears in contexts related to divine mysteries, though the exact term ἄρρητος itself is rare. The Jewish philosopher Philo of Alexandria, a contemporary of the apostles, employed the term when discussing ineffable divine attributes and experiences that surpass human articulation. This background enriches our understanding of Paul’s usage in his account of heavenly visions in 2 Corinthians, where he draws on terminology familiar to both Greek philosophical and Jewish mystical traditions.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Inexpressible – Beyond the capacity of human language to articulate
• Unutterable – That which cannot be adequately voiced or articulated
• Ineffable – Divine mysteries beyond human comprehension
• Forbidden – Secrets or revelations not permitted to be shared with uninitiated hearers
• Transcendent – Realities that exceed ordinary human experience and expression

ἄρρητος Translation Options:

• “Unspeakable” – Emphasizes the impossibility of adequate verbal expression, capturing both the ineffability and possibly forbidden nature of the revelations
• “Inexpressible” – Highlights the limitation of human language when confronting divine realities, focusing on human inability rather than divine prohibition
• “Unutterable” – Combines both senses: that which cannot be spoken due to its nature and perhaps should not be spoken due to its sacredness
• “Ineffable” – A more elevated literary term that beautifully conveys the transcendent quality of divine mysteries that defy verbal expression

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἄρρητος appears only once, in 2 Corinthians 12:4, where Paul recounts a profound mystical experience: “How he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible [ἄρρητα] words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” This context is particularly significant as Paul describes what scholars consider a “heavenly journey” or mystical experience common in Jewish apocalyptic literature. The apostle deliberately uses ἄρρητος to convey both the ineffability of what he encountered and possibly the sacred prohibition against sharing certain heavenly realities with those still bound to earth.

While ἄρρητος appears only this once in the canonical New Testament, the concept of divine mysteries beyond human expression appears elsewhere in Scripture, particularly in passages that describe encounters with יהוה (Yahweh)’s glory or the mysteries of His kingdom:

• “And he heard inexpressible [ἄρρητα] words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” 2 Corinthians 12:4

Cultural Insights

In the ancient world, particularly in Greek mystery religions, the concept of “arreta” or “unspeakable things” was closely connected to initiation rites. Initiates into these mysteries experienced revelations that were forbidden to be shared with the uninitiated. Death was often the penalty for revealing these secrets. When Paul uses ἄρρητος in describing his heavenly experience, he draws on language his readers would associate with profound spiritual initiation, suggesting he had been granted access to divine mysteries ordinarily closed to human beings.

This concept also resonates deeply with Jewish mystical traditions, particularly Merkabah mysticism focused on throne-room visions like those in Ezekiel and Isaiah. In these traditions, certain revelations were considered too holy or dangerous for common dissemination. The rabbinic literature speaks of “four who entered Paradise” (Pardes), with only Rabbi Akiva returning unscathed. The others either died, went insane, or became apostates, suggesting the perilous nature of such divine encounters. Paul’s careful language about his experience—referring to himself in the third person and emphasizing the unspeakable nature of what he heard—reflects this tradition of cautious reverence when discussing direct divine revelation.

Theological Significance

The use of ἄρρητος in Paul’s account points to the transcendent nature of יהוה (Yahweh) and His revelations. It reminds us that God’s reality infinitely exceeds our capacity to comprehend or express it. As Isaiah 55:8-9 declares, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways.” The very fact that Paul encountered words that were “unspeakable” testifies to the vast gulf between divine and human understanding—a gulf that can only be bridged by God’s initiative and revelation.

This concept carries profound implications for our approach to theology and spiritual knowledge. It suggests humility in the face of divine mystery is essential to true wisdom. While God has graciously revealed much to us through His Word and ultimately through His Son, the Messiah Jesus, there remain aspects of divine reality that exceed human articulation. As Paul writes elsewhere, “Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12). The presence of ἄρρητος in Scripture reminds us that our knowledge, while genuine, remains partial until the day of complete revelation.

Personal Application

The concept of ἄρρητος offers profound guidance for our spiritual journey. It teaches us to approach God with reverent wonder rather than presuming we can fully comprehend Him. In a world increasingly convinced that all reality can be dissected, analyzed, and explained, ἄρρητος reminds us that the deepest truths of our faith transcend mere intellectual grasp. The God we worship is greater than our minds can conceive or our words express.

This should inspire both humility and awe in our spiritual lives. When we experience moments of divine encounter—whether through prayer, worship, or meditation on Scripture—we should not be frustrated when words fail us. These “unspeakable” moments are not failures of spirituality but rather indications that we are touching the edges of divine reality that exceeds human expression. As we grow in faith, we learn to rest in the mystery, trusting that what we cannot yet fully articulate is nevertheless genuinely encountered through the Holy Spirit who “helps us in our weakness” and “intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (Romans 8:26).

Related Words

• ἀνεκλάλητος (aneklaletos) – “inexpressible, indescribable,” used of joy too great for words; focuses more on emotional overwhelm than sacred prohibition. See G412
• ἀνεκδιήγητος (anekdiegetos) – “indescribable, beyond telling,” used of God’s gift that exceeds human description; emphasizes the inability to fully narrate or explain. See G411
• ἀνεξερεύνητος (anexereunetos) – “unsearchable, beyond investigation,” refers to divine attributes or decisions that exceed human capacity to fully investigate or comprehend. See G419
• ἀνεξιχνίαστος (anexichniastos) – “untraceable, beyond tracking,” describes divine ways that leave no footprints human reasoning can fully follow. See G421
• μυστήριον (mysterion) – “mystery, secret,” a divine truth previously hidden but now revealed to initiates; unlike ἄρρητος, these are secrets that can and should be spoken to believers. See G3466

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἄρρητος was significant in ancient mathematics, particularly in Pythagorean thought. The discovery of irrational numbers (numbers that cannot be expressed as simple fractions) was considered a profound and disturbing revelation. These numbers were called “arretoi”—unspeakable or inexpressible—because they defied the assumed rational order of the universe. Legend claims that Hippasus, who discovered irrational numbers, was drowned for revealing this mathematical heresy. This mathematical connotation adds depth to our understanding of how radical and mind-altering Paul’s “unspeakable words” must have been.
• In Jewish mystical tradition, particularly Kabbalah (though its formal development came after Paul’s time), there exists the concept of “Ein Sof”—the infinite, unknowable essence of God beyond all attributes that can be named or described. This concept parallels Paul’s encounter with ἄρρητα and suggests that momentary glimpses of divine reality that transcend verbal expression have been part of Jewish spiritual experience throughout the ages. The tradition teaches that such encounters require extensive preparation and purification, which makes Paul’s experience all the more remarkable as an unexpected grace.
• The early Church Fathers, particularly those influenced by Greek philosophical thought, developed the concept of “apophatic theology”—describing God by what He is not rather than what He is—partly based on passages like Paul’s reference to ἄρρητα. This approach to theology acknowledges the limitations of human language when speaking of divine realities and develops a vocabulary of reverent negation (God is “not limited,” “not changeable,” “not comprehensible”) that preserves divine mystery while still allowing meaningful theological discourse.

Remember This

ἄρρητος reminds us that at the heart of authentic faith lies an encounter with divine mystery that transcends our words yet transforms our souls—teaching us that the most profound spiritual truths are not those we can fully articulate, but those that leave us speechless in worship.