### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **lēros**, represented by `{{G3026}}`, describes **twaddle, i.e. an incredible story**. Its definition points to something nonsensical or not to be believed. Though it is a primary word, it is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its singular use, however, marks a moment of profound skepticism and disbelief.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G3026}}` is in [[Luke 24:11]], which describes the disciples' reaction to the women's report of the empty tomb and the message of Jesus's resurrection. The scripture states that "their words seemed to them as **idle tales**, and they believed them not" [[Luke 24:11]]. Here, **lēros** captures the disciples' immediate dismissal of the news. What would become the cornerstone of Christian faith was initially perceived by its future proponents as nothing more than an unbelievable story.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from the verse clarify the nature of this disbelief:
* `{{G4487}}` **rhēma** (an utterance... saying, word): This specifies what was considered an "idle tale." It was the women's **words** that were dismissed, highlighting the conflict between testimony and belief [[Luke 24:11]]. Faith is elsewhere shown to come by hearing the **word** of God [[Romans 10:17]].
* `{{G5316}}` **phaínō** (to lighten (shine), i.e. show... seem): This word indicates that the report only **seemed** like nonsense to the disciples, emphasizing their perception rather than the reality of the message [[Luke 24:11]]. This contrasts with its use for the true light that now **shineth** [[1 John 2:8]].
* `{{G569}}` **apistéō** (to be unbelieving, i.e. (transitively) disbelieve): This is the direct consequence of viewing the testimony as **lēros**. The disciples "believed not" [[Luke 24:11]]. This state of disbelief is presented as a serious matter, as seen in the warning, "he that believeth not shall be damned" [[Mark 16:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3026}}` is tied entirely to its pivotal context in the resurrection account.
* **Human Skepticism:** The word starkly portrays the initial, human reaction to the supernatural. The disciples' view of the resurrection news as an **idle tale** demonstrates how even those closest to Jesus were not predisposed to blind belief but were grounded in doubt [[Luke 24:11]].
* **The Nature of Faith:** The journey from perceiving the resurrection as **lēros** to accepting it as truth is central to the apostolic witness. Their disbelief, even when they "believed not for joy" [[Luke 24:41]], underscores that their eventual faith overcame their initial skepticism.
* **The Credibility of Testimony:** The use of `{{G3026}}` shows that the Gospel message was, from the very beginning, something that seemed incredible. The disciples' dismissal of the women's **words** `{{G4487}}` as **idle tales** sets the stage for the transformative power of belief that follows [[Luke 24:11]].
### Summary
In summary, **lēros** `{{G3026}}` is far more than a simple definition of "twaddle." Though used only once, it provides a crucial insight into the mindset of the disciples immediately following the resurrection. It captures the raw, human skepticism that confronted the most important event in Christianity. By labeling the initial report as an **idle tale**, the scripture emphasizes the profound transformation required to move from doubt to the unwavering faith that would define the apostles' ministry.
TRV