Lexical Summary acharistos: ungrateful, thankless Original Word: ἀχάριστος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance unthankful. From a (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of charizomai; thankless, i.e. Ungrateful -- unthankful. see GREEK a see GREEK charizomai HELPS Word-studies 884 axáristos (an adjective, derived from 1 /A "not" and 5483 /xarízomai, "experiencing grace") – properly, without God's grace (favor) which results in unthankfulness (literally, "ungraceful"). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and charizomai Definition ungracious, ungrateful NASB Translation ungrateful (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 884: ἀχάριστοςἀχάριστος, ἀχαριστον (χαρίζομαι), ungracious; a. unpleasing (Homer, Odyssey 8, 236; 20, 392; Xenophon, oec. 7, 37; others). b. unthankful (so in Greek writings from Herodotus 1, 90 down): Luke 6:35; 2 Timothy 3:2. (Sir. 29:17; Wis. 16:29.) Topical Lexicon Root and Semantic Emphasis Formed by the alpha-privative prefixed to charis, ἀχάριστος describes the absence of gratitude toward grace freely given. Because charis carries nuances of favor, kindness, and thanksgiving, the term points not merely to bad manners but to a moral refusal to acknowledge God as the gracious Giver. Occurrences in the New Testament Luke 6:35: “He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” 2 Timothy 3:2: “People will be … ungrateful, unholy.” The first text reveals the divine posture toward such people; the second lists the vice as a sign of widespread apostasy in the last days. Divine Kindness Amid Human Ingratitude Jesus’ command in Luke 6 rests on the Father’s benevolent character: He continues to extend common grace even to those who scorn Him. This underscores both God’s longsuffering mercy (Psalm 145:9) and the believer’s call to imitate that mercy (Matthew 5:44-45). Ingratitude, while repugnant, does not exhaust divine patience; rather, it magnifies the depth of His graciousness. Eschatological Marker of Apostasy Paul places “ungrateful” between “disobedient to their parents” and “unholy” (2 Timothy 3:2), framing it as a moral rupture that accompanies societal collapse. Ingratitude is therefore more than a personal flaw; it is a prophetic indicator that the final rebellion against God is maturing (2 Timothy 3:1-5; cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3). Old Testament Backdrop Israel’s history repeatedly records the sin of ingratitude (Deuteronomy 32:6; Psalm 106:13, 21). Prophets rebuked the nation for forgetting His mighty acts, revealing a continuum from ingratitude to idolatry. Paul echoes this trajectory in Romans 1:21: “Although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him.” Greco-Roman Cultural Context Classical moralists condemned ingratitude as a violation of societal reciprocity. Seneca argued that failure to return favors erodes civic cohesion. The New Testament writers, familiar with this discourse, elevate the matter: ingratitude is first an offense against the living God, then a social ill. Ethical and Discipleship Implications 1. Worship: Thanksgiving is an essential response to grace (Colossians 3:15-17). Pastoral Warnings Leaders must recognize ingratitude as a root sin that often accompanies pride, disobedience, and blasphemy. Corrective teaching should expose the heart-issue: failure to behold the grace of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). Public prayers of thanksgiving and testimonies of God’s faithfulness nurture a grateful culture within congregations. Christological Fulfillment Jesus, the incarnate embodiment of divine charis (John 1:14), experienced profound human ingratitude—ten lepers cleansed, only one returned (Luke 17:17-18). His unwavering kindness culminated at the cross, where He bore the sins of the “ungrateful and wicked,” opening the way for their reconciliation. Contemporary Application Modern societies celebrate entitlement and self-gratification, making ἀχάριστος increasingly visible. The Church counters by: Related Terms and Themes Eucharisteō (to give thanks) – the positive counterpart. Charis (grace) – the gift spurned by the ungrateful. Murmuring, Forgetfulness, Hard-heartedness – sins often intertwined with ingratitude. Summary Strong’s 884 exposes a heart posture that refuses to honor God for His grace. Scripture reveals it as characteristic of the last days, yet also showcases God’s patient kindness toward such people. For believers, the antidote is continual, conscious thanksgiving, shaping a countercultural witness that reflects the generosity of the Most High. Forms and Transliterations αχαριστοι αχάριστοι ἀχάριστοι αχαριστους αχαρίστους ἀχαρίστους αχάτην αχάτης άχι acharistoi acháristoi acharistous acharístousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 6:35 Adj-AMPGRK: ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀχαρίστους καὶ πονηρούς NAS: is kind to ungrateful and evil KJV: unto the unthankful and INT: to the ungrateful and evil 2 Timothy 3:2 Adj-NMP Strong's Greek 884 |