ἀναίδεια (anaideia)
anaideia
shamelessnes
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun anaideia literally means "shamelessness," but in Scripture it carries a specific nuance of persistent importunity. It describes a state where social conventions of modesty or politeness are set aside to achieve a goal, often through relentless insistence rather than gentle request.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 11:8. Jesus uses it in the parable of the friend at midnight, where the petitioner does not leave because he is rude, but because his shameless persistence eventually moves the neighbor to act. The term highlights a raw, unpolished determination that refuses to take no for an answer.
While often translated simply as "shamelessness," which can sound negative in English, the context here frames it as a virtue of prayer. It suggests that approaching God with bold, persistent requests—without being deterred by delay or shame—is a valid and powerful form of faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anaideia describes a raw, unpolished determination that refuses to accept refusal. In Luke 11:8, Jesus uses this term to describe a friend who keeps knocking at midnight. He is not being rude for the sake of being difficult; he is simply too desperate to be ignored. This persistence eventually moves the neighbor to act, not because of friendship alone, but because of that relentless insistence.
When we bring our needs to God, we do not need polished words or perfect timing. We can approach Him with honest urgency. If a delay feels like silence, remember that boldness is not disrespect. It is the confidence that He hears us and cares enough to respond. Your prayers do not have to be gentle requests; they can be heartfelt pleas that refuse to let go.
This kind of faith invites God into your deepest struggles. It acknowledges that you need help now, and you trust that He is able to provide it. Let this truth encourage you to keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking with a heart that trusts in His goodness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- persistence1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀναίδειαν1×
Key Verses
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Luke 11:8
I tell you, although he will not rise and give it to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence, he will get up and give him as many as he needs.
This verse defines anaideia not as rudeness but as the persistent importunity that moves the neighbor to provide what is needed despite initial refusal.