ἀδιάκριτος (adiakritos)
adiakritos
impartial
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective adiakritos describes a state of being undivided or free from uncertainty. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in James 3:17, to characterize the wisdom that comes from heaven. This heavenly wisdom is not split by conflicting motives or clouded by doubt; it is whole-hearted and clear.
The word combines a negative prefix with a root meaning "to separate" or "to judge between." Consequently, it signifies something that cannot be divided or distinguished into opposing parts. While some ancient texts used similar forms to describe physically mixed substances, James applies it to moral clarity. The wisdom from above is consistent and unambiguous, standing in contrast to the earthly, selfish ambition described earlier in the chapter.
This rare term highlights the integrity of divine insight. It suggests that true spiritual understanding does not waver or hesitate. Instead, it offers a steady, undivided perspective that guides actions with clarity. By using this word, James emphasizes that godly wisdom is reliable and free from the internal conflicts that mark human reasoning.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word adiakritos, found only in James 3:17, paints a picture of wisdom that is undivided and clear. It suggests a heart that does not pull in two directions at once. When we seek understanding from God, we are invited into a state where our motives are pure and our actions are consistent. There is no hidden agenda or secret doubt clouding the way forward.
This clarity brings peace to our daily lives. Instead of wrestling with conflicting desires or trying to please everyone, heavenly wisdom offers a steady path. It allows us to act with mercy and gentleness because we are not distracted by selfish ambition. We can trust that God’s guidance is reliable and whole-hearted.
As you face decisions this week, remember that true insight comes from above. It does not waver or hesitate. May you find rest in the knowledge that God’s wisdom is free from hypocrisy and partiality, guiding you with a clear and steady light.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- impartial,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀδιάκριτος,1×
Key Verses
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James 3:17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
This verse uses adiakritos to describe heavenly wisdom as being without partiality, showing that divine insight does not show favoritism or divide loyalties.