### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ἀκλινής (aklinēs, `{{G186}}`) is a compound word formed from the privative alpha (α-), meaning "not," and κλίνω (klinō, `{{G2827}}`), which means "to lean, incline, bend." Therefore, its literal meaning is "not leaning" or "unbending." Figuratively, and as it is used in the New Testament, it conveys the sense of being "firm," "steadfast," "immovable," or "without wavering." It denotes a state of resolute stability, an absence of deviation, vacillation, or yielding. The word describes something that maintains its posture or course without inclining to one side or another, suggesting unwavering resolve and unwavering commitment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἀκλινής (aklinēs) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the Epistle to the Hebrews:
* [[Hebrews 10:23]]: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."
In this singular occurrence, ἀκλινής modifies the phrase "the confession of our hope" (τὴν ὁμολογίαν τῆς ἐλπίδος). The author exhorts believers to maintain their public declaration of faith and their eschatological hope with unwavering consistency and steadfastness. This exhortation is set against the backdrop of the preceding verses, which discuss the new and living way through Christ's blood into the Most Holy Place, and the subsequent warnings against deliberate sin and apostasy. The call to be ἀκλινής is therefore a vital imperative for endurance in the Christian life. The reason provided for this unwavering posture is not the believer's inherent strength, but the absolute faithfulness of God ("for He who promised is faithful"). This grounds human perseverance in divine reliability, emphasizing that steadfastness is a response to and sustained by God's character.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate ἀκλινής, it is helpful to consider words that are conceptually related or antonymous:
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:**
* κλίνω (klinō, `{{G2827}}`): The root word, meaning "to lean, bend, incline," implying a tendency to give way or deviate.
* σαλεύω (saleuō, `{{G4531}}`): "to shake, to cause to waver," often used of instability or being unsettled.
* δίψυχος (dipsychos, `{{G1374}}`): "double-minded," describing a person who is unstable and indecisive, lacking a firm commitment.
* **Synonyms/Related Concepts:**
* βέβαιος (bebaios, `{{G949}}`): "firm, steadfast, sure," often used of promises or covenants that are secure.
* ἑδραῖος (hedraios, `{{G1476}}`): "steadfast, immovable, firmly seated," conveying a sense of being well-grounded.
* ὑπομονή (hypomonē, `{{G5281}}`): "endurance, perseverance," which is the active quality of remaining steadfast under trial.
* πίστις (pistis, `{{G4102}}`): "faith," which inherently requires steadfastness and trust in God.
* κατέχω (katechō, `{{G2722}}`): "to hold fast, possess," used in [[Hebrews 10:23]] itself, indicating the active maintenance of one's position or belief.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀκλινής lies primarily in its singular occurrence in [[Hebrews 10:23]], where it functions as a crucial exhortation for Christian perseverance.
* **Divine Faithfulness as Foundation:** The most profound theological insight is that the believer's unwavering posture is not predicated on human strength alone, but is firmly rooted in the unwavering faithfulness of God. The phrase "for He who promised is faithful" provides the ultimate ground for the believer's steadfastness. This shifts the focus from human fallibility to divine reliability, emphasizing that God's character enables and sustains human endurance.
* **The Nature of Christian Hope and Confession:** The "confession of our hope" encompasses both the verbal declaration of one's faith in Christ and the confident expectation of future salvation, resurrection, and glory. To hold this ἀκλινής implies maintaining an uncompromised witness and an undiminished hope, even amidst severe trials, persecution, or the temptation to abandon the faith. It speaks to the integrity and consistency required of those who profess Christ.
* **Imperative for Perseverance:** In the broader context of Hebrews, which frequently warns against drifting away from the faith ([[Hebrews 2:1]]) and falling away from the living God ([[Hebrews 3:12]]), the exhortation to be ἀκλινής serves as a vital call to perseverance. It underscores the necessity of a firm and unwavering commitment to the Gospel for ultimate salvation and avoiding spiritual shipwreck. It is an active, deliberate choice to remain steadfast in the face of pressure to compromise or abandon one's convictions.
### Summary
ἀκλινής (aklinēs, `{{G186}}`) is a potent Greek adjective meaning "without wavering" or "firm," derived from the concept of "not leaning." Its solitary, yet profoundly significant, appearance in the New Testament is in [[Hebrews 10:23]], where believers are exhorted to "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering." This command underscores the essential nature of resolute perseverance in faith and hope, particularly in the face of challenges and temptations to apostasy. Crucially, the text immediately grounds this required human steadfastness in the unshakeable faithfulness of God, who is true to His promises. Thus, ἀκλινής encapsulates the call for an active, unwavering commitment to the truth of the Gospel and the assurance of future glory, a commitment that is ultimately anchored in the immutable character of God Himself.
TRV