ἀνεκδιήγητος (anekdiēgētos)
anekdiēgētos
indescribable
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective anekdiēgētos means something so vast or profound that it cannot be fully told or described. It is formed from a negative prefix and a verb meaning to narrate or tell in detail, pointing to a reality that exceeds the limits of human language.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, closing the letter to the Corinthians with a doxology (2 Corinthians 9:15). Paul uses it to describe God’s gift, suggesting that its depth and goodness are beyond complete explanation. The term captures the awe-inspiring nature of divine grace, acknowledging that no human account can fully capture its scope.
By choosing this specific word, the text emphasizes the insufficiency of speech when faced with the magnitude of God’s generosity. It serves as a linguistic boundary marker, reminding readers that while we can thank God, the full extent of His gifts remains mysteriously beyond our ability to articulate.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anekdiēgētos carries a weight that simple language often struggles to hold. It describes a reality so vast, so rich in goodness, that it escapes the boundaries of human speech. When we encounter such depth, words naturally fall short, leaving us in a state of quiet awe rather than full explanation.
In 2 Corinthians 9:15, Paul uses this term to close his letter with gratitude for God’s gift. This is not merely a polite thank you; it is an admission that the generosity we receive from God exceeds our capacity to narrate or fully comprehend. We can offer thanks, but the full scope of His grace remains a mystery we are invited to enjoy, not just define.
This limitation of language is not a failure on our part. It is a reflection of the infinite nature of God’s love. Instead of trying to force the divine into neat categories, we rest in the truth that some gifts are meant to be experienced rather than fully explained. This invites us to live with open hearts, ready to receive more than we can ever articulate.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- indescribable1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνεκδιηγήτῳ1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 9:15
Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!
This verse serves as the sole New Testament occurrence of the word, closing Paul's letter with a doxology that acknowledges the gift's magnitude exceeds human narration.