ἀτάκτως (ataktōs)
ataktōs
idly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb ataktōs describes behavior that is disorderly or irregular, evoking the image of soldiers breaking formation or acting out of rank. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians 3:6 and 3:11). Here, it characterizes those who live without order, specifically referring to individuals who are idle and refuse to work.
Its root implies a lack of discipline or deviation from a prescribed rule. While it can technically describe chaotic conduct in general, Paul uses it to target a specific social issue within the early church: believers who stopped working and became busybodies. The word highlights not just laziness, but a disruptive refusal to follow the community’s expected pattern of labor and self-sufficiency.
Translators typically render ataktōs as "disorderly" or "undisciplined." This captures the sense of someone operating outside the bounds of proper conduct. By using this term, Paul contrasts the chaotic lifestyle of the idle with the orderly example he and his companions provided, urging the community to return to a structured and productive way of life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ataktōs paints a picture of life without order, like soldiers breaking rank or ignoring their duties. In the early church, this described believers who stopped working and became busybodies, relying on others instead of contributing to the community. Paul used this term not just to criticize laziness, but to call people back to a disciplined, productive way of living that honors God and supports neighbors.
When you feel overwhelmed by tasks or tempted to withdraw from responsibilities, this word reminds you that order brings peace. It invites you to find your place in the community through faithful, steady effort. Like Paul’s example, you can show love by working hard and avoiding unnecessary interference in others’ lives. This simple commitment creates a stable environment where everyone can thrive.
May you find strength in daily duties, knowing that small acts of faithfulness build a lasting legacy. Let your life reflect the order and care that God desires for His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- idly,1×
- idly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀτάκτως,1×
- ἀτάκτως1×
Key Verses
-
II Thessalonians 3:6
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion and not after the tradition which they received from us.
Paul commands believers to withdraw from those who live in rebellion, using this term to define the disorderly behavior that disrupts community unity.
-
II Thessalonians 3:11
For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies.
This verse explicitly links the word to idleness and busybody behavior, showing how refusing work harms the church’s witness and mutual care.