Original Word: ἀτακτέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: atakteó
Pronunciation: ah-tak-TEH-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (at-ak-teh'-o)
KJV: behave self disorderly
NASB: act in an undisciplined manner, undisciplined manner
Word Origin: [from G813 (ἄτακτος - unruly)]

1. to be (i.e. act) irregular

behave improperly

From ataktos; to be (i.e. Act) irregular -- behave self disorderly.

see GREEK ataktos

Cognate: 812 ataktéō – properly, to be out of proper order (arrangement), i.e. breaking rank (disregarding commands, authority). See 813 (ataktos).

Word Origin
from ataktos
Definition
to be out of order, be remiss
NASB Translation
act in an undisciplined manner (1), undisciplined manner (1).

STRONGS NT 812: ἀτακτέω

ἀτακτέω, ἀτάκω: 1 aorist ἠτάκτησα; "to be ἄτακτος, to be disorderly";

a. properly, of soldiers marching out of order or quitting the ranks: Xenophon, Cyril 7, 2, 6, etc. Hence,

b. to be neglectful of duty, to be lawless: Xenophon, Cyril 8, 1, 22; oec. 5, 15; Lysias 141, 18 (i. e.

c. Alcib. or. 1 § 18), others,

c. to lead a disorderly life: 2 Thessalonians 3:7,cf. 11.

Overview

Strong’s Greek 812 appears once in the New Testament and depicts conduct that breaks orderly, disciplined expectation within the covenant community. Its single use becomes a touchstone for understanding apostolic patterns of life, responsible labor, and the church’s duty to guard against disruptive idleness.

Biblical Occurrence

2 Thessalonians 3:7: “For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you.”

Paul employs the verb to assert that neither he nor his companions ever slipped into unruly behavior while resident in Thessalonica. By using a verb of disorder to describe what they did not do, he highlights the positive witness of disciplined living.

2 Thessalonians in Context

1. The letter confronts believers who had misapplied teaching about the Day of the Lord, resulting in shirking daily responsibilities.
2. Verses 6-15 frame three escalating responses: avoid fellowship with the idle (verse 6), imitate apostolic diligence (verses 7-10), and, if necessary, administer corrective discipline (verses 11-15).
3. Verse 7 therefore grounds Paul’s later command: “If anyone is not willing to work, he shall not eat” (verse 10).

Pattern of Apostolic Example

Paul anchors moral instruction in observable behavior, not abstract principle alone. He had:
• Worked “night and day” so as not to be a burden (2 Thessalonians 3:8).
• Paid his own way while proclaiming the gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:9).
• Demonstrated that ministry and manual labor coexist without contradiction (Acts 18:3).

The absence of disorder in his lifestyle supplies the church with a living template for balanced spirituality and industry.

Implications for Christian Work Ethic

1. Labor is a creation mandate (Genesis 2:15) and remains valuable after redemption (Ephesians 4:28).
2. Disorderly idleness undermines witness, burdens the body, and invites spiritual vulnerability.
3. The verse refutes any notion that eschatological expectation releases believers from present responsibilities.

Ecclesiastical Order and Discipline

The same chapter connects undisciplined conduct with the need for church discipline carried out in love (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). The goal is restoration, not shame, yet the body must distance itself from chronic disorder so that the community’s witness remains unblunted.

Historical Witness

Early Christian writers echoed Paul’s concern. The Didache (12:2) warns against itinerants who refuse to work, while Polycarp commends those “who walk in the way of truth with steadfast purpose,” an implied contrast to disorderly believers. These testimonies reveal a continuous line of thought: true piety expresses itself in ordered daily life.

Application for Contemporary Ministry

• Elders and teachers should model diligence—vocational, domestic, and spiritual.
• Congregations may institute benevolence policies that distinguish between genuine need and avoidable idleness.
• Discipleship curricula can pair doctrinal instruction with practical coaching on stewardship of time and work skills.
• Church discipline remains a biblical provision, pursued with humility and a view to repentance.

Summary

Though occurring only once, Strong’s 812 crystallizes a theme coursing through Scripture: God’s people are to reflect His orderly character. Paul’s refusal to live “undisciplined” lends enduring authority to exhortations that believers combine fervent faith with responsible labor, thereby adorning the gospel with a life of visible order and integrity.

ητακτησαμεν ητακτήσαμεν ἠτακτήσαμεν etaktesamen etaktḗsamen ētaktēsamen ētaktḗsamenInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts