ἀνεκτός (anektos)
anektos
bearable
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective anektos describes something that can be endured or tolerated. It appears in the New Testament to contrast different levels of judgment, suggesting that some consequences are more difficult to bear than others. The word carries a sense of weight or pressure that a person might withstand, but only with difficulty.
Its comparative form, anektoteros, meaning "more bearable," is used by Jesus in the Gospels to compare the fate of unrepentant cities with that of Sodom and Gomorrah. In Matthew 10:15 and 11:24, as well as Luke 10:12 and 10:14, He states that it will be more tolerable for Sodom on judgment day than for towns that rejected His messengers. This usage highlights the seriousness of rejecting divine revelation.
The root relates to the verb anechomai, which means to hold up or endure. By using this term, the texts emphasize that responsibility brings greater accountability. The comparison does not minimize Sodom’s sins but illustrates that those who witness truth and reject it face a heavier burden of judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anektos reminds us that our response to truth carries weight. When Jesus used this term, He was not offering a casual comparison but highlighting the gravity of responsibility. Those who witness God’s work and turn away face a steeper challenge than those who never had the chance to see it at all.
This reality invites humility rather than fear. It suggests that every opportunity to hear the Gospel is a gift we must take seriously. We are called to receive these messages with open hearts, knowing that our choices echo into eternity.
May you find comfort in knowing that God’s justice is perfect and fair. Let this truth encourage you to share the hope you have found, trusting that He will judge with righteousness and mercy.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- more tolerable5×
- More tolerable1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνεκτότερον6×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 10:15
Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.
This verse establishes the baseline comparison, showing that rejecting Jesus' messengers is more serious than the ancient sins of Sodom.
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Matthew 11:24
But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment, than for you.”
Here Jesus applies the same principle to Capernaum, emphasizing that greater revelation brings greater accountability.
-
Luke 10:14
But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment than for you.
Luke records this warning specifically for Tyre and Sidon, highlighting that pagan cities would fare better than those who rejected the apostles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does anektos mean in the New Testament?
Why does Jesus say it will be more tolerable for Sodom?
How does this word relate to accountability?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 3 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for…
Matthew 11:22But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
Matthew 11:24But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment, than for you.”