ἄπειρος (apeiros)
apeiros
unacquainted
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective apeiros describes a state of being unacquainted with or inexperienced in something. Derived from a negative prefix and a root meaning "trial" or "experience," it literally denotes one who has not undergone the tests that build knowledge or skill. It is not merely a lack of information, but a practical unfamiliarity resulting from an absence of direct encounter.
Its single New Testament appearance in Hebrews 5:13 illustrates this clearly. The text uses it to describe those still feeding on milk because they are unskilled in the word of righteousness. Here, the word highlights a developmental gap; these believers have not yet gained the experiential maturity that comes from wrestling with deeper truths.
Translators often render it as "inexperienced" or "unskilled," capturing the sense of a beginner who lacks the confidence and competence of someone seasoned by practice. The word underscores that spiritual growth involves moving from passive reception to active, experienced understanding.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word apeiros points to a state of being unacquainted or inexperienced. It describes someone who has not yet undergone the trials that build true skill and understanding. In Hebrews 5:13, it is used to describe believers who are still feeding on milk because they lack experience in the word of righteousness.
This term reminds us that spiritual maturity is not just about knowing facts. It comes from wrestling with deeper truths and applying them in real life. Growth involves moving from passive reception to active, experienced understanding. Your current stage does not define your final destination; it simply marks where you are on the path of learning.
As you continue in your faith journey, remember that every step forward builds confidence and competence. The desire to grow is a sign of life. Trust that God is guiding you through each season of learning, helping you gain the wisdom that comes from direct encounter with His word.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [is] inexperienced1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄπειρος1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 5:13
For everyone who lives on milk is not experienced in the word of righteousness, for he is a baby.
This verse uses apeiros to describe those who are spiritually immature because they have not yet gained the practical skill in righteousness that comes from deeper study and experience.