### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἀκρίβεια (akríbeia, `{{G195}}`) conveys the sense of "exactness," "precision," "accuracy," "strictness," or "rigor." It is derived from the adjective ἀκριβής (akribēs, `{{G196}}`), meaning "accurate," "exact," or "careful." The base definition provided, "exactness:--perfect manner," points to a meticulous and thorough quality. It implies a scrupulous attention to detail, not merely being correct, but being precisely and rigorously correct. This word denotes a high degree of conscientiousness and adherence to a standard, whether that standard is a rule, a law, or a method.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀκρίβεια (akríbeia, `{{G195}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 22:3]]**: In his defense before the crowd in Jerusalem, the Apostle Paul declares, "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strictness (ἀκρίβεια) of our ancestral law, being zealous for God, just as you all are today."
In this singular occurrence, Paul uses ἀκρίβεια to describe the nature of his upbringing and education under Gamaliel, a highly respected Pharisaic teacher. The "strictness of our ancestral law" refers to the rigorous and meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law, as interpreted and expanded by the traditions of the Pharisees. This was not merely a casual observance but a disciplined and precise application of every detail of the Law. Paul's statement highlights the intensity and thoroughness of his former commitment to Judaism, underscoring his credentials as a devout Pharisee before his conversion to Christ. It demonstrates that his zeal for God was expressed through an exact and uncompromising observance of the Law, a characteristic that would have been well understood and appreciated by his Jewish audience.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ἀκρίβεια (akríbeia, `{{G195}}`) includes several closely related terms:
* **ἀκριβής (akribēs, `{{G196}}`)**: The adjective form, meaning "exact," "accurate," "careful."
* **ἀκριβόω (akriboō, `{{G197}}`)**: The verb form, meaning "to ascertain exactly," "to inquire carefully," "to learn precisely." This is seen in passages like [[Matthew 2:7]] and [[Acts 24:22]].
* **ἀκριβέστατος (akribestatos, `{{G198}}`)**: The superlative adjective, meaning "most accurate," "most exact," "most strict." This form is used in [[Acts 26:5]] to describe the "strictest sect" of Judaism, the Pharisees, further emphasizing the rigorous nature of Paul's former adherence.
* **ἀκριβῶς (akribōs, `{{G199}}`)**: The adverb form, meaning "accurately," "carefully," "strictly," "diligently." Examples include [[Ephesians 5:15]] ("look carefully how you walk") and [[Luke 1:3]] ("having investigated everything carefully").
These related words collectively paint a picture of precision, diligence, and meticulousness. Concepts such as σπουδή (spoudē, `{{G4710}}`), "diligence" or "earnestness," and ἐπιμέλεια (epimeleia, `{{G1959}}`), "care" or "diligence," also share conceptual overlap, emphasizing careful attention and effort. The pursuit of ἀλήθεια (alētheia, `{{G225}}`), "truth," often necessitates a degree of ἀκρίβεια in its apprehension and articulation.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of ἀκρίβεια (akríbeia, `{{G195}}`) in [[Acts 22:3]] holds significant theological weight. It highlights Paul's profound commitment to the Jewish Law before his conversion. This "strictness" was a hallmark of Pharisaic Judaism, where adherence to the minutiae of the Law and its traditions was paramount. For Paul, this was not merely intellectual assent but a zealous, disciplined way of life. This background makes his radical conversion to faith in Christ all the more striking; it was a profound shift from a system of meticulous human effort to one of divine grace.
While Paul's former ἀκρίβεια was rooted in a legalistic framework that ultimately proved insufficient for righteousness, the underlying principle of exactness can have positive theological applications. For instance:
1. **Handling God's Word:** Believers are called to handle the word of truth with ἀκρίβεια (cf. [[2 Timothy 2:15]], where "rightly dividing" implies careful and accurate interpretation). This requires diligent study, precise understanding of context, and faithful application, avoiding careless or imprecise teaching.
2. **The Nature of God:** God Himself is characterized by precision and order, evident in creation, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the intricate design of His redemptive plan. His commands are not arbitrary but are given with divine ἀκρίβεια.
3. **Christian Discipleship:** While not bound by the legalistic ἀκρίβεια of the Law, followers of Christ are called to a diligent and careful pursuit of holiness, obedience, and truth. This involves a precise understanding of Christ's commands and a sincere effort to walk in them, not out of compulsion but out of love and devotion. The ἀκρίβεια of the Law pointed to the standard of God's holiness, a standard that is perfectly met in Christ and is to be reflected in the lives of believers by the power of the Spirit.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀκρίβεια (akríbeia, `{{G195}}`) denotes "exactness," "precision," or "strictness." Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Acts 22:3]] describes the rigorous and meticulous nature of Paul's education under Gamaliel, emphasizing his past zealous adherence to the ancestral Jewish Law. This highlights the depth of his transformation from a life of legalistic ἀκρίβεια to one of grace through faith in Christ. While the legalistic application of ἀκρίβεια is superseded by the New Covenant, the underlying principle of carefulness, diligence, and precision remains vital for believers in their study of Scripture, their understanding of theological truth, and their pursuit of a life that honors God. It calls for a reverent and accurate handling of divine revelation and a conscientious walk of faith.
TRV