### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **akyróō**, represented by `{{G208}}`, means to invalidate, disannul, or make of none effect. It is derived from a negative particle and a word for confirmation, highlighting its function of rendering something void. Though used sparingly, appearing **5 times** across **3 unique verses**, its application is pointed and significant, often concerning the integrity of divine authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Gospels, `{{G208}}` is used to condemn the practice of elevating human traditions above God's law. In both Matthew and Mark, it describes how man-made **tradition** `{{G3862}}` can **make of none effect** the explicit **commandment** `{{G1785}}` of God, such as the command to **honour** `{{G5091}}` one's father and mother [[Matthew 15:6]]. This action is presented as a serious failing, where traditions that are **delivered** `{{G3860}}` by men nullify the very word of God [[Mark 7:13]]. In Galatians, the word is used to make a different but related point: the **law** `{{G3551}}`, which came 430 years after God's **covenant** `{{G1242}}` with Abraham, cannot **disannul** that prior, confirmed **promise** `{{G1860}}` [[Galatians 3:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concepts that `{{G208}}` is used to invalidate:
* `{{G3862}}` **parádosis** (tradition): Defined as a transmission or precept, it often refers to the Jewish traditionary law. It is this **tradition** which is accused of making God's word of none effect [[Mark 7:13]] and which believers are warned against following when it is merely human in origin [[Colossians 2:8]].
* `{{G3551}}` **nómos** (law): This refers to a prescriptive rule, especially the law of Moses. It is the **law** that Paul argues cannot invalidate the earlier promise of God, demonstrating a specific hierarchy of divine decrees [[Galatians 3:17]].
* `{{G2673}}` **katargéō** (make of none effect): Used alongside `{{G208}}` in [[Galatians 3:17]], this word means to render entirely idle or useless. It reinforces the idea of making something void, such as when Christ is said to have **abolished** death [[2 Timothy 1:10]] or when a person is **delivered** from the law [[Romans 7:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G208}}` is centered on the authority and permanence of God's word and promises.
* **Supremacy of Divine Command:** The use of `{{G208}}` in the Gospels establishes a clear principle: God's commands are absolute. Human traditions or ordinances that contradict or invalidate a divine **commandment** `{{G1785}}` are illegitimate and render God's word of none effect from a human standpoint ([[Matthew 15:6]], [[Mark 7:13]]).
* **Permanence of God's Covenant:** In Galatians, the word is used to defend the unshakeable nature of God's **covenant** `{{G1242}}`. The promise to Abraham was not a temporary arrangement to be invalidated or **disannulled** `{{G208}}` by the later introduction of the Mosaic **law** `{{G3551}}`, showing the enduring nature of God's pledged word [[Galatians 3:17]].
* **Invalidating the Invalid:** The term functions to invalidate that which seeks to invalidate God. By labeling human traditions as things that "make of none effect" God's word, the text invalidates the authority of those traditions themselves, upholding the singular authority of God's revelation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G208}}` is a powerful term that acts as a guard for divine authority. It is used to critique human systems of **tradition** `{{G3862}}` that seek to nullify the commands of God. Simultaneously, it affirms that divine institutions, such as the **covenant** `{{G1242}}` of **promise** `{{G1860}}`, cannot be invalidated by subsequent decrees like the **law** `{{G3551}}`. Through its use, the Bible protects the integrity and permanence of God's word against any attempt to disannul it.
TRV