Lexical Summary akatagnóstos: Blameless, beyond reproach, not condemned Original Word: ἀκατάγνωστος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance beyond reproachFrom a (as a negative particle) and a derivative of kataginosko; unblamable -- that cannot be condemned. see GREEK a see GREEK kataginosko NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and kataginóskó Definition not to be condemned, beyond reproach NASB Translation beyond reproach (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 176: ἀκατάγνωστοςἀκατάγνωστος, (καταγινώσκω), that cannot be condemned, not to be censured: Titus 2:8. (2 Macc. 4:47, and several times in ecclesiastical writings.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 176 describes speech or conduct that is immune to censure—so faultless that no legitimate accusation can stand against it. In the sole New Testament occurrence (Titus 2:8), Paul directs Titus to model such irreproachable speech, thereby securing the credibility of gospel testimony. Context in Titus 2 Titus was ministering on Crete, an island known in the Greco-Roman world for moral laxity (Titus 1:12). Paul instructs him to “encourage and convict” through “sound doctrine” (Titus 1:9). Within that framework Paul says, “and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that is beyond reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us” (Titus 2:7-8). The irreproachable quality of Titus’s words serves two pastoral goals: 1. Protecting the fledgling churches from slander. Theological Significance 1. Moral Witness: Scripture consistently ties credibility to character (Proverbs 22:1; 1 Peter 2:12). The term reinforces that linkage by making integrity of speech a non-negotiable component of Christian leadership. Historical and Cultural Background Classical rhetoric prized persuasive eloquence; public honor or shame hinged on a speaker’s perceived integrity. A Cretan minister of the gospel who could not be impeached in either content or tone undercut the prevailing stereotype that Christians were subversive or immoral (cf. Acts 17:7-8). In that milieu, irreproachable speech did more than win arguments—it disarmed official suspicion and opened doors for evangelism. Old Testament Foundations The idea of faultless speech resonates with Psalms and Proverbs: Under the Mosaic Law, an unblemished sacrifice foreshadowed blamelessness; in daily life, guarded lips mirrored that sacrificial purity (Leviticus 22:20-21). Christological Reflections Jesus embodies the concept: “Never has anyone spoken like this man!” (John 7:46). Even his detractors failed to convict Him of wrongdoing (John 18:38). The singular use of Strong’s 176 in a pastoral instruction highlights the call for ministers to reflect the blamelessness of Christ in their proclamation. Practical Application for Ministry 1. Homiletics: Sermons must be both doctrinally sound and ethically consistent, avoiding exaggeration, slander, or careless humor. Intersections with Other New Testament Teachings • James 3:2 – “Anyone who is never at fault in what he says is a perfect man.” Reception in Early Church History The Didache urges believers to be “meek... not double-minded in speech,” reflecting an early application of the Titus principle. Church Fathers such as Polycarp echoed Paul’s standard, teaching that an overseer must be “beyond reproach” in word and deed. Summary Strong’s Greek 176 encapsulates the mandate for speech so rooted in truth and purity that no just charge can be leveled against it. In Titus’s Cretan context and in every era since, such speech vindicates the gospel, safeguards the church, and mirrors the impeccable character of the Lord Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations ακαταγνωστον ακατάγνωστον ἀκατάγνωστον akatagnoston akatagnōston akatágnoston akatágnōstonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |