### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἀκμήν (akmḗn, `{{G188}}`) is grammatically the accusative case of the noun ἀκμή (akmē), which signifies a point, peak, or acme—the highest or most perfect stage of something. However, in its New Testament usage, ἀκμήν functions adverbially, conveying a temporal sense. Its meaning shifts from a spatial or qualitative "peak" to a temporal "just now," "still," or "yet." This adverbial application emphasizes continuation or persistence, indicating that a particular state or action remains true up to the present moment. The shift from its nominal root to an adverbial function is noteworthy, highlighting the dynamic nature of language and how case forms can adopt new semantic roles.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἀκμήν (akmḗn, `{{G188}}`) appears only once in the entire New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew:
* **[[Matthew 15:16]]**: "And He said, 'Are you also ἀκμήν without understanding?'" (καὶ εἶπεν, Ἀκμὴν καὶ ὑμεῖς ἀσύνετοί ἐστε;)
This solitary occurrence is found within a discourse where Jesus is explaining to His disciples the true source of defilement, following His rebuke of the Pharisees for their adherence to human traditions over divine commands. After Jesus explains that "what goes into the mouth does not defile a person, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a person" ([[Matthew 15:11]]), Peter asks for clarification ([[Matthew 15:15]]). Jesus' response in [[Matthew 15:16]] expresses surprise and disappointment at the disciples' persistent lack of comprehension. The adverb ἀκμήν ("still" or "yet") underscores that, despite their extended time with Him and exposure to His teachings, they continue to exhibit spiritual dullness regarding fundamental truths. It highlights a prolonged state of misunderstanding, indicating that this is not a new or isolated incident but a recurring issue. The context reveals Jesus' frustration with their spiritual immaturity and inability to grasp deeper spiritual realities.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the noun ἀκμή (akmē), from which ἀκμήν (akmḗn, `{{G188}}`) is derived. While ἀκμή itself does not appear in the New Testament, its meaning of "point," "peak," or "climax" provides the etymological foundation for the adverbial sense of "still" or "yet"—implying a state that has reached a certain "point" in time and continues.
Semantically, ἀκμήν (akmḗn, `{{G188}}`) functions similarly to other Greek adverbs that convey continuation or persistence in time, such as:
* ἔτι (eti, `{{G2089}}`): "yet," "still," "further." This is a more common and versatile adverb for continuation.
* ἄρτι (arti, `{{G737}}`): "just now," "presently." While it often refers to the immediate present, it can sometimes imply a state that has just come into being and continues.
* ἤδη (ēdē, `{{G2235}}`): "already," "by this time." This can also imply a state that has been established and persists.
The concept of "understanding" (σύνεσις, synesis, related to ἀσύνετοι in [[Matthew 15:16]]) is crucial here. Jesus' use of ἀκμήν (akmḗn, `{{G188}}`) emphasizes the *persistence* of their lack of understanding, linking it to the broader biblical theme of spiritual perception versus spiritual blindness (e.g., [[Matthew 13:13]], [[Mark 8:17-21]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of ἀκμήν (akmḗn, `{{G188}}`) in [[Matthew 15:16]] carries significant theological weight despite its rarity. It serves as a poignant indicator of the disciples' spiritual journey and the challenges inherent in grasping divine truth. Jesus' question, "Are you *still* without understanding?", highlights a critical theological point:
1. **The Persistence of Spiritual Dullness:** Even those closest to Jesus, who witnessed His miracles and heard His direct teachings, were not immune to spiritual obtuseness. This underscores the human propensity for misunderstanding or resistance to deeper spiritual truths, even when revealed clearly.
2. **The Call to Deeper Discernment:** Jesus' rhetorical question functions as a gentle but firm rebuke and a call to greater spiritual discernment. It implies that understanding is not automatic but requires active engagement, reflection, and perhaps divine illumination.
3. **The Patience of Christ:** While expressing disappointment, Jesus continues to teach and explain, demonstrating His enduring patience with His disciples' spiritual growth. The "still" implies a prolonged process of discipleship and the need for repeated instruction.
4. **The Nature of True Defilement:** The context of ἀκμήν (akmḗn, `{{G188}}`) reinforces the core message of the passage: that true defilement comes from within, from the heart, rather than from external rituals. The disciples' inability to grasp this fundamental truth, despite repeated exposure, underscores the difficulty of shifting from an external, legalistic understanding of righteousness to an internal, heart-centered one.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀκμήν (akmḗn, `{{G188}}`), though etymologically related to "acme" or "peak," functions adverbially in the New Testament to mean "still" or "yet." Its sole occurrence in [[Matthew 15:16]] is highly significant, revealing Jesus' surprise and disappointment at His disciples' persistent lack of understanding regarding His teachings on true defilement. The adverb emphasizes the continuation of their spiritual dullness despite prolonged exposure to divine truth. This unique usage highlights the challenges of spiritual perception, the need for deeper discernment among believers, and the persistent patience of Christ in guiding His followers toward a fuller understanding of His kingdom principles.
TRV