ἀφειδία (apheidia)
apheidia
unsparing
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun apheidia denotes a lack of mercy or harsh severity in dealing with others. Derived from a negative prefix and the word for pity, it literally describes an "unsparing" attitude. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, specifically in Colossians 2:23.
Paul uses it to critique rituals that seem wise through self-made religion but lack value in restraining sensual indulgence. The context highlights practices that impose strict, painful discipline on the body without addressing the heart’s true condition. This severity is external and human-driven, contrasting with the spiritual freedom found in Christ.
The word underscores the futility of harsh physical asceticism when it relies on human effort rather than divine grace. It serves as a warning against religious disciplines that appear profound but ultimately fail to produce genuine holiness or inner transformation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apheidia describes an unsparing attitude, one that withholds mercy and imposes harsh severity. In Colossians 2:23, Paul points out rituals that look like wisdom but lack real power to change the heart. These practices demand strict discipline of the body, yet they fail to stop sinful desires. This shows us that external rules alone cannot transform a person.
For your faith, this offers a gentle reminder that true holiness comes from grace, not from punishing the flesh. You do not need to earn God’s favor through exhausting self-made religion. Instead, you can rest in the freedom Christ provides, knowing that He works within you to produce genuine change. This release from harsh legalism allows your love for God and others to grow naturally.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with harsh treatment1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀφειδίᾳ1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 2:23
These things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, humility, and severity to the body, but aren’t of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.
Paul uses this term to identify self-imposed rituals that appear wise but fail to restrain sinful desires.