### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **akribōs**, represented by `{{G199}}`, is an adverb that conveys the meaning of doing something exactly, circumspectly, diligently, or perfectly. Appearing **5 times** in **5 unique verses**, it emphasizes precision, thoroughness, and a high degree of accuracy in action, understanding, and knowledge.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G199}}` is used to describe a specific quality of an action or state of being. Luke uses it to describe his own investigative process, stating he had **perfect** understanding of all things before writing his account [[Luke 1:3]]. Herod commands the wise men to **search** `{{G1833}}` **diligently** for the young child, implying a thorough and exact search [[Matthew 2:8]]. Paul uses it to exhort the Ephesians to **walk** `{{G4043}}` **circumspectly**, contrasting this careful way of life with that of **fools** `{{G781}}` [[Ephesians 5:15]]. It is also used to describe the certainty of knowledge, as believers **know** `{{G1492}}` **perfectly** that the day of the Lord will come like a **thief** `{{G2812}}` [[1 Thessalonians 5:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the application of exactness and diligence:
* `{{G1833}}` **exetázō** (to test thoroughly, ascertain or interrogate): This word for searching is directly modified by `{{G199}}` in Herod's command to **search diligently** for Jesus, showing the thorough nature of the required investigation [[Matthew 2:8]].
* `{{G4043}}` **peripatéō** (to walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself): This term for one's way of life is qualified by `{{G199}}`, calling believers to **walk circumspectly**, demonstrating that a Christian's conduct should be careful and precise [[Ephesians 5:15]].
* `{{G3877}}` **parakolouthéō** (to follow near, trace out, fully know): Luke pairs this word with `{{G199}}` to describe his **perfect understanding**, indicating a comprehensive and exact grasp of the facts he investigated [[Luke 1:3]].
* `{{G1321}}` **didáskō** (to teach): Apollos is described as someone who **taught diligently** the things of the Lord, connecting the precision of `{{G199}}` with the act of instruction [[Acts 18:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G199}}` emphasizes the high standard of precision and care required in the Christian faith.
* **A Call to Wise Living:** The command to **walk circumspectly** is not merely a suggestion for caution, but a defining characteristic of a life guided by wisdom, as opposed to the carelessness of **fools** `{{G781}}` [[Ephesians 5:15]].
* **Diligence in Teaching:** The description of Apollos as someone who **taught diligently** shows that the communication of spiritual truth requires accuracy and thoroughness, even when one's knowledge is incomplete [[Acts 18:25]].
* **Certainty of Knowledge:** The word underscores that believers can have **perfect** knowledge of foundational truths, such as the coming of the Lord's **day** `{{G2250}}` [[1 Thessalonians 5:2]]. This is reinforced by Luke's claim to have **perfect** understanding, ensuring the historical reliability of his gospel account [[Luke 1:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G199}}` is a significant adverb that points to a standard of exactness and thoroughness. It is applied to the Christian walk, the investigation of truth, the teaching of doctrine, and the certainty of belief. It demonstrates that matters of faith are to be handled not with vagueness or carelessness, but with diligence, precision, and a circumspect wisdom that reflects the very nature of God.
TRV