ἀκρίβεια (akribeia)
akribeia
strictness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun akribeia denotes a state of strictness, precision, or exact care. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 22:3, where Paul describes his own background. He speaks of being educated "according to the strictness of our ancestral law," highlighting a rigorous and scrupulous adherence to the Mosaic code.
The word stems from the adjective akribēs, meaning precise or accurate. Its usage here emphasizes not just general knowledge, but a meticulous attention to detail in religious practice. This precision reflects a commitment to living with exactness according to established standards, rather than a casual or loose interpretation of duty.
Translators often render this term as "strictness" or "exactness." The choice underscores the intensity of Paul's former devotion. It was not merely obedience, but a disciplined, careful observance that defined his early life before his encounter with Christ.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word akribeia points to a life lived with exact care and precision. In Acts 22:3, Paul uses it to describe his early training under Gamaliel. He did not just know the law; he followed its details with intense focus. This level of strictness shows how deeply he valued his heritage and his duty to God.
For us, this word reminds us that God cares about the details of our lives. We do not need such rigid legalism today, but we can learn from Paul’s dedication. Serving God with exactness means paying attention to His commands and loving Him with our whole heart. It is a call to integrity in small things as well as large ones.
May your own walk with the Lord be marked by this same careful devotion. Let your actions reflect a sincere desire to honor Him in every part of your day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- exactness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀκρίβειαν1×
Key Verses
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Acts 22:3
“I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according to the strict tradition of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God, even as you all are today.
Paul uses this term to highlight his rigorous and scrupulous adherence to the Mosaic law during his early life, showing a commitment that went beyond general knowledge.