### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb ἀκριβῶς (akribōs, `{{G199}}`) derives from the adjective ἀκριβής (akribēs, "exact, precise, accurate") and its superlative form ἀκριβέστατος (akribestatos, "most exact, most accurate"). At its core, ἀκριβῶς signifies "exactly," "precisely," "accurately," or "with great care." Its semantic range extends beyond mere correctness to encompass a sense of thoroughness, diligence, and meticulousness. It implies a high degree of exactitude in observation, understanding, or execution. When applied to actions, it suggests carefulness, circumspection, and a scrupulous attention to detail, often with an underlying sense of strictness or rigor. The term conveys not just absence of error, but the positive presence of careful, precise attention.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἀκριβῶς appears several times in the New Testament, consistently conveying this sense of precision and diligence:
* **[[Luke 1:3]]**: Luke states his intention to write "accurately" or "precisely" (καθεξῆς ἀκριβῶς) about the events concerning Jesus. This underscores the evangelist's commitment to historical veracity and thorough investigation, presenting his account not as hearsay but as the result of careful research and orderly presentation. It highlights the reliability and trustworthiness of his Gospel narrative.
* **[[Acts 18:25]]**: Regarding Apollos, it is said that he "taught accurately" (ἐλάλει ἀκριβῶς) the things concerning Jesus. This indicates his profound understanding and precise articulation of the Gospel message, even though he initially knew only the baptism of John. His teaching was not superficial but deeply rooted and carefully presented.
* **[[Acts 18:26]]**: Following Apollos' initial teaching, Aquila and Priscilla "explained to him the way of God more accurately" (ἀκριβέστερον ἐξέθεντο). Here, the comparative form ἀκριβέστερον emphasizes a greater degree of precision and completeness. It suggests that while Apollos' teaching was accurate, there were further nuances or aspects of Christian truth (likely concerning the Holy Spirit and the full implications of Christ's death and resurrection) that could be expounded with even greater exactitude. This highlights the ongoing process of theological refinement and deeper understanding.
* **[[Acts 24:22]]**: Felix, the governor, is described as having "more accurate knowledge" (ἀκριβέστερον εἰδὼς) concerning "the Way" (Christianity). This implies that Felix was not entirely ignorant of the Christian faith but had a relatively detailed understanding, perhaps due to previous encounters or investigations. His knowledge, though accurate, did not lead him to embrace the faith but rather to procrastinate judgment.
* **[[Ephesians 5:15]]**: Paul exhorts believers to "look carefully then how you walk" (Βλέπετε οὖν ἀκριβῶς πῶς περιπατεῖτε). This is a crucial ethical imperative. The adverb ἀκριβῶς here calls for circumspection, prudence, and exactness in daily conduct. It contrasts with living "as unwise" (ὡς ἄσοφοι) and encourages living "as wise" (ὡς σοφοί), implying a deliberate, thoughtful, and precise adherence to God's will in all aspects of life. It is a call to intentional, discerning living that avoids carelessness or moral laxity.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἀκριβῶς is closely related to other words in the same family:
* ἀκριβής (akribēs, `{{G198}}`): The adjective meaning "exact, precise, accurate," often used to describe knowledge or adherence to law (e.g., [[Acts 23:15]]).
* ἀκριβόω (akriboō, `{{G197}}`): The verb meaning "to ascertain exactly, to inquire diligently" (e.g., [[Matthew 2:7]], [[Matthew 2:16]]).
* ἀκριβέστατος (akribestatos, from `{{G198}}`): The superlative adjective, meaning "most accurate" or "most strict," as used to describe the Pharisees' adherence to their sect ([[Acts 26:5]]).
The concepts associated with ἀκριβῶς include:
* **Diligence and Thoroughness**: Implies effort and attention to detail.
* **Precision and Exactitude**: Pertains to accuracy in understanding or expression.
* **Circumspection and Prudence**: Especially in ethical contexts, suggesting careful consideration and wise conduct.
* **Truth and Reliability**: As seen in Luke's Gospel, where ἀκριβῶς undergirds the trustworthiness of the narrative.
* **Wisdom and Understanding**: Contrasted with foolishness, it signifies intelligent and discerning action.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀκριβῶς is multifaceted:
1. **Divine Revelation and Truth**: The use of ἀκριβῶς in Luke's introduction highlights the divine inspiration and human diligence involved in the reliable transmission of God's truth. The Gospel is not based on vague traditions but on carefully investigated and accurately presented facts. This underscores the trustworthiness of Scripture as God's precise revelation.
2. **Discipleship and Ethical Living**: The command in [[Ephesians 5:15]] to "walk accurately" is a profound theological statement on Christian ethics. It calls believers to a life of intentionality, wisdom, and moral precision. Discipleship is not a casual endeavor but requires careful discernment, deliberate choices, and a conscious effort to align one's life with God's will. This "accurate walk" reflects a deep reverence for God and a desire to honor Him in every action, avoiding the spiritual sloppiness that characterizes the "unwise."
3. **Teaching and Proclamation of the Gospel**: Apollos' example (and his subsequent instruction by Aquila and Priscilla) demonstrates the critical importance of accurate and comprehensive teaching of the Gospel. The truth of Christ is not to be presented partially or imprecisely, but with the fullest possible understanding. This calls for diligence in study and carefulness in articulation for all who teach or preach God's Word.
4. **God's Nature**: While ἀκριβῶς describes human actions, it implicitly points to the nature of God, who is perfectly precise in His knowledge, righteous in His judgments, and faithful in His promises. Human efforts to be ἀκριβῶς in understanding and living reflect a desire to conform to the divine standard of truth and righteousness.
### Summary
The Greek adverb ἀκριβῶς (akribōs, `{{G199}}`) conveys the meaning of "exactly," "precisely," or "diligently." In the New Testament, it underscores the meticulousness of Luke's historical investigation for his Gospel ([[Luke 1:3]]), the accuracy and thoroughness of Apollos' teaching of the Gospel ([[Acts 18:25]], [[Acts 18:26]]), Felix's detailed knowledge of Christianity ([[Acts 24:22]]), and most significantly, the imperative for believers to live with careful circumspection and wisdom ([[Ephesians 5:15]]). Theologically, ἀκριβῶς highlights the reliability of divine revelation, the necessity of precise and comprehensive Gospel proclamation, and the call for Christians to live a life of intentional, wise, and morally exact adherence to God's will. It is a word that calls for thoughtful diligence in understanding, teaching, and embodying the truth of God.
TRV