Pronunciation Guide: ah-DOK-ee-mos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G96: ἀδόκιμος describes something or someone that has been tested and failed to meet the standard, thus being rejected or disqualified. In ancient contexts, it was commonly used for counterfeit coins that failed the test of authenticity. The term carries the weight of both the testing process and the resulting judgment of being found unfit or unworthy.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root Construction: Compound of ἀ- (negative prefix) + δόκιμος (tested, approved)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in teaching and warning passages
• Literary Context: Primarily appears in Pauline epistles
• Register: Technical/formal language

ἀδόκιμος Morphology:

• ἀδόκιμος (nominative singular masculine) – unapproved, rejected
• ἀδόκιμον (accusative singular masculine/feminine) – unapproved, rejected (direct object)
• ἀδόκιμοι (nominative plural masculine) – unapproved ones, rejected ones

Origin & History

The term ἀδόκιμος emerged from ancient Greek monetary and metallurgical practices. In classical Greek literature, it was frequently employed in discussions of coin testing, where δόκιμος described genuine currency that passed inspection, while ἀδόκιμος designated counterfeit or debased coinage that failed the test.

Xenophon, in his “Memorabilia,” uses the term when discussing the importance of testing friends as carefully as one would test coins. Similarly, Euripides employs it metaphorically in his tragedies to describe characters whose moral qualities have been tested and found wanting.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Failed under testing
• Rejected after examination
• Counterfeit, spurious
• Disqualified from intended purpose
• Morally corrupt or worthless

ἀδόκιμος Translation Options:

• “Disqualified” – Emphasizes the result of testing and judgment
• “Rejected” – Highlights the final verdict after examination
• “Worthless” – Captures the quality of being unfit for purpose
• “Failed the test” – Emphasizes the process and outcome
• “Counterfeit” – Connects to original monetary usage

Biblical Usage of ἀδόκιμος

In the New Testament, ἀδόκιμος appears primarily in contexts of spiritual testing and moral evaluation. Its first appearance in Romans 1:28 connects it to the serious consequence of rejecting God – being given over to a “rejected mind.”

The term carries particular weight in Paul’s writings, where it often appears in contexts of self-examination and warning. It serves as a sobering reminder that not all who appear to be in the faith will prove genuine under divine scrutiny.

• “And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind [ἀδόκιμος]” Romans 1:28
• “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test [ἀδόκιμοι]?” 2 Corinthians 13:5
• “But I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified [ἀδόκιμος].” 1 Corinthians 9:27
• “They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless [ἀδόκιμοι] for any good deed.” Titus 1:16

Cultural Insights into ἀδόκιμος

In ancient Mediterranean society, the testing of coins was a crucial daily practice. Money-changers would test coins by weight, sound (striking them to hear their ring), and appearance. They would also bite them or bend them to test their metal content. This cultural practice would have made ἀδόκιμος a particularly vivid metaphor for Paul’s audiences.

The term gained additional significance in the context of ancient athletic competitions, where athletes could be disqualified (declared ἀδόκιμος) for failing to meet training requirements or breaking competition rules. This sporting context particularly illuminates Paul’s use of the term in 1 Corinthians 9:27.

Theological Significance of ἀδόκιμος

The concept of ἀδόκιμος reveals profound truths about God’s character and His relationship with humanity. It demonstrates that He is a God of truth who tests and examines, not to destroy, but to refine and purify His people. The very existence of testing implies God’s deep concern for authenticity and His desire for genuine relationship with His people.

This term also highlights the reality that not all who claim to belong to God will prove genuine. It serves as both a warning and an invitation – a warning against presumption and an invitation to authentic faith that can withstand divine scrutiny. The concept reminds us that God’s judgment is not arbitrary but based on careful examination against His perfect standard.

Personal Application

The concept of ἀδόκιμος challenges us to examine our own spiritual authenticity. Just as ancient coins were tested for genuineness, we are called to test ourselves to ensure our faith is authentic. This self-examination isn’t meant to produce anxiety but to drive us to deeper dependence on God’s grace and transforming power.

In our modern context, where authenticity is often discussed but rarely achieved, ἀδόκιμος reminds us that true authenticity is measured not by our own standards but by God’s perfect evaluation. It calls us to live lives that can withstand divine scrutiny, not through our own strength, but through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

Related to ἀδόκιμος

• δόκιμος (dokimos) [DOK-ee-mos] – approved, tested, genuine – the positive counterpart emphasizing passing the test. See G1384
• δοκιμάζω (dokimazō) [dok-im-AD-zo] – to test, examine, prove – the verb form describing the testing process. See G1381
• ἀπόβλητος (apoblētos) [ap-OB-lay-tos] – cast away, rejected – similar concept but emphasizing the act of rejection. See G579

Did you Know?

• The practice of testing coins continued well into the medieval period, where professional money-testers were known as “toucheurs” in France, using touchstones to verify precious metal content – a practice that would have made Paul’s metaphorical use of ἀδόκιμος immediately clear to his ancient audiences.
• In ancient Olympic training, athletes underwent a rigorous ten-month testing period before being allowed to compete. Those who failed this testing period were declared ἀδόκιμος and barred from competition – a background that illuminates Paul’s athletic metaphors.
• The concept of ἀδόκιμος influenced early Christian practices of church discipline, where those who failed to maintain Christian standards could be temporarily declared ἀδόκιμος (disqualified) from communion until they demonstrated genuine repentance.

Remember This

ἀδόκιμος stands as a powerful reminder that authentic faith must pass through the refiner’s fire, emerging not destroyed but proven genuine through testing.