ἄμετρος (ametros)
ametros
immoderate
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective ametros describes something that is without measure or immense in extent. Formed from a negative prefix and the word for "measure," it literally means unmeasurable. In the New Testament, this rare word appears only twice, both within the Second Letter to Corinthians.
Paul uses it to describe the scope of ministry. He speaks of boasting "to a limitless degree" regarding the work God has assigned him (2 Corinthians 10:13). The term emphasizes that his sphere of influence is not restricted by human boundaries but extends as far as the Gospel reaches, defined by God’s allocation rather than personal ambition.
Translators often render this as "immeasurably" or "excessively." The word highlights a ministry that refuses to shrink back from its full potential. It serves as a reminder that spiritual work is not confined by human limits but expands according to divine purpose.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ametros describes something without measure or beyond limits. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. He uses it to talk about his ministry, saying he will not boast beyond what God has assigned him. This reminds us that our work for God is defined by His plan, not our own ambition.
When we serve, it is easy to feel either too small or too big. Paul shows a different way: staying within the boundaries God sets while trusting Him to expand our reach as others grow in faith. Your efforts matter, but they are part of a larger story where God leads the pace and direction.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- beyond measure2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄμετρα2×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 10:13
But we will not boast beyond proper limits, but within the boundaries with which God appointed to us, which reach even to you.
Paul uses this word to define his ministry scope as limited by God's appointment rather than human ambition.
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II Corinthians 10:15
not boasting beyond proper limits in other men’s labors, but having hope that as your faith grows, we will be abundantly enlarged by you in our sphere of influence,
Here the term warns against overstepping into other people's work while expressing hope for future growth in influence.