from (hesitation); to be slow (figuratively, loath):--delay.
Transliteration:oknéō
Pronunciation:ok-neh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ὀκνέω (oknéō, `{{G3635}}`) is derived from ὄκνος (oknos), which signifies "hesitation," "delay," or "reluctance." At its core, ὀκνέω means "to hesitate," "to delay," "to be slow," or "to be unwilling/loath." It conveys a state of indecision or a lack of promptness that often stems from an internal reluctance, fear, or a sense of burden, rather than merely a physical slowness. The nuance suggests a volitional or mental slowness, an unwillingness to act decisively or without reservation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ὀκνέω (oknéō, `{{G3635}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts.
* **[[Acts 9:38]]:** "And since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them."
* In this pivotal passage, the disciples in Joppa, facing the death of Tabitha (Dorcas), urgently dispatched messengers to Peter in nearby Lydda. Their plea for Peter "not to delay" (μὴ ὀκνῆσαι) underscores the extreme urgency and desperation of their situation. They believed that Peter's immediate presence was crucial for a potential miracle. The use of ὀκνέω here highlights that any hesitation or reluctance on Peter's part would have been perceived as a significant hindrance to the divine intervention they sought. The context emphasizes the critical nature of prompt action in moments of crisis and faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Word:** The direct root ὄκνος (oknos), meaning "hesitation," "dread," or "reluctance," is foundational to understanding ὀκνέω. It emphasizes the internal state of mind that precipitates the delay.
* **Synonyms/Antonyms:**
* Related terms that convey a sense of slowness or delay include ἀργέω (argéō, `{{G691}}`), "to be idle," and βραδύνω (bradýnō, `{{G1022}}`), "to be slow, to delay." While similar, ὀκνέω uniquely emphasizes the underlying hesitation or reluctance as the cause of the delay.
* Antonyms that signify promptness or eagerness include σπεύδω (speúdō, `{{G4692}}`), "to hasten, to be eager," and ταχύς (tachýs, `{{G5036}}`), "quick, swift."
* **Theological Concepts:** The concept of promptness versus hesitation often carries significant theological weight in the biblical narrative. Figures like Abraham and Mary are commended for their immediate obedience, while hesitation can sometimes indicate a lack of faith, trust, or a resistance to divine calling (e.g., Moses' initial reluctance in [[Exodus 4:10-13]]).
### Theological Significance
Though ὀκνέω (oknéō, `{{G3635}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, its specific use in [[Acts 9:38]] carries profound theological implications. It reveals the fervent expectation of the early Christian community regarding the power of God manifested through His apostles. The disciples' urgent request for Peter "not to delay" signifies their deep faith that an immediate response, empowered by the Holy Spirit, could bring about a miraculous restoration of life.
This single occurrence subtly highlights the human element in the outworking of divine purposes: while God is sovereign, His human instruments are called to respond promptly and without hesitation to the needs presented before them, particularly when these needs involve the demonstration of God's compassion and power. From a broader theological perspective, "delay" (ὀκνέω) can symbolize a spiritual state of being slow to respond to the Spirit's leading, to the urgent needs of fellow believers, or to the call of discipleship. It stands in stark contrast to the alacrity, zeal, and immediate obedience that characterize a vibrant and active faith. While not directly applied to spiritual hesitation in this verse, the underlying concept resonates with the importance of decisive, unhesitating action in the Christian life.
### Summary
The Greek word ὀκνέω (oknéō, `{{G3635}}`) denotes "to hesitate," "to delay," or "to be loath/unwilling." Its core meaning, rooted in ὄκνος (oknos), emphasizes a delay caused by internal reluctance or indecision. This word's sole New Testament appearance in [[Acts 9:38]] is highly instructive: the disciples at Joppa earnestly implored Peter "not to delay" in coming to them after Tabitha's death. This singular use powerfully underscores the critical need for prompt, unhesitating action in moments of crisis and faith, reflecting the urgent desire for divine intervention through God's chosen servants. Theologically, ὀκνέω implicitly contrasts with the swiftness and zeal expected in Christian service, highlighting the importance of an immediate and decisive response to urgent needs and divine opportunities.
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