ἀκριβῶς (akribōs)
akribōs
exactly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb akribōs conveys the idea of doing something with exactness or strict precision. Derived from a root meaning "accurate" or "careful," it appears five times in the New Testament to describe actions that are performed meticulously. In Luke 1:3, the author states he investigated everything carefully before writing his account, highlighting a commitment to factual accuracy and thorough research.
This word also appears in Acts to describe precise communication. Paul speaks akribōs to Felix about the Christian faith (Acts 24:22), and Apollos teaches accurately about Jesus (Acts 18:25). The term implies that nothing is left vague or omitted; it is a standard of clarity and diligence. Translators often render it as "exactly," "accurately," or "carefully" depending on the context, ensuring the reader understands the deliberate nature of the action.
Its usage underscores a value placed on truthfulness and attention to detail in both historical record-keeping and theological instruction. By choosing this term, the biblical writers emphasize that their message is not based on guesswork but on verified facts and careful examination.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word akribōs reminds us that God values truth grounded in reality. When Luke writes that he investigated everything accurately, he shows that faith is not built on vague feelings or hearsay. It rests on careful examination and honest reporting. This gives confidence that the Gospel we share is reliable.
In Acts, Apollos taught these things concerning Jesus accurately. He did not guess at theology but relied on verified instruction. For you, this means your spiritual foundation can be solid. You do not need to worry about whether your beliefs are based on solid ground. The writers of Scripture took care to ensure the message was clear and true.
This precision invites you to approach your own study with diligence. Whether reading Scripture or listening to teaching, look for that same commitment to truth. It is a comfort to know that the faith you hold is not a matter of chance but of careful, loving attention to what God has revealed.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- carefully3×
- fully1×
- earnestly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀκριβῶς5×
Key Verses
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Luke 1:3
it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;
Luke uses this term to describe his methodical investigation of events, establishing the historical reliability of his Gospel account.
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Acts 18:25
This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John.
Apollos is described as teaching accurately about Jesus, showing that correct instruction requires careful adherence to known truth.