### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ὀκνηρός (oknērós, `{{G3636}}`) is derived from the verb ὀκνέω (okneō), which means "to shrink from," "to hesitate," "to delay," or "to be reluctant." Consequently, oknērós describes a state of being characterized by such hesitation or reluctance to act. Its primary semantic range encompasses "tardy," "slow," "indolent," or "lazy," signifying an aversion to effort or work. Figuratively, it can also describe something that is "irksome," "troublesome," or "grievous," implying that it causes one to shrink back or hesitate due to its burdensome nature. Thus, the word captures both a personal disposition of slothfulness and the quality of something that is difficult or unpleasant to undertake.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term oknērós appears three times in the New Testament, illustrating both its literal and figurative senses:
1. **Matthew 25:26**: In the Parable of the Talents, the master rebukes the servant who buried his single talent, declaring, "You wicked and slothful servant!" [[Matthew 25:26]] Here, oknērós clearly denotes laziness, negligence, and a culpable aversion to diligent effort. The servant's slothfulness led to a failure in stewardship, resulting in the master's severe condemnation and the loss of what was entrusted. This context highlights the moral failing associated with indolence, particularly in the realm of responsibility and productivity.
2. **Romans 12:11**: Paul exhorts believers, "Not slothful in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." [[Romans 12:11]] This is a direct command urging Christians to avoid spiritual apathy and negligence. The pairing of oknērós with "fervent in spirit" (τῷ πνεύματι ζέοντες) creates a sharp contrast, emphasizing the importance of zeal, diligence, and energetic engagement in all aspects of Christian life and service. It underscores that Christian discipleship is meant to be active and passionate, not characterized by reluctance or laziness.
3. **Philippians 3:1**: Paul writes, "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe." [[Philippians 3:1]] In this instance, oknērós is used figuratively. Paul states that repeating his instructions and warnings is not "grievous" or "irksome" to him. He does not shrink from the task, even if it is repetitive, because he understands its importance for the Philippians' spiritual well-being. This usage reveals that while a task might inherently be "irksome" or "burdensome" (oknērós) to some, a willing spirit can overcome such a perception for a greater purpose.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of oknērós connects it to several related terms and concepts:
* **Antonyms/Contrasts**: The most prominent contrast is found in Romans 12:11 with ζέων (zeōn, `{{G2209}}`), meaning "fervent" or "boiling." Other conceptual antonyms include diligence, zeal, industry, perseverance, and active service.
* **Synonyms/Related Ideas**:
* ἀργός (argos, `{{G692}}`): "idle," "inactive," "unfruitful," often used in contexts of spiritual or moral inactivity (e.g., Matthew 12:36 regarding "every idle word").
* ἀχρεῖος (achreios, `{{G888}}`): "useless," "unprofitable," as seen in Matthew 25:30 where the slothful servant is also called "unprofitable."
* The root verb ὀκνέω (okneō): "to hesitate," "to delay," "to shrink from."
* **Theological Concepts**: Stewardship, accountability, spiritual discipline, Christian service, zeal, diligence, and the nature of discipleship.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of oknērós is profound, primarily serving as a stark warning against spiritual and moral indolence.
1. **Condemnation of Negligence**: In Matthew 25:26, the oknērós servant faces severe judgment. This highlights God's expectation of active stewardship and responsible engagement with the gifts, talents, and opportunities He bestows. Slothfulness is not merely a benign character flaw but a culpable failure to fulfill divine mandates, leading to spiritual barrenness and condemnation.
2. **Call to Fervent Service**: Romans 12:11 unequivocally calls believers to be the antithesis of oknērós in their service to the Lord. Christian life is not passive but demands active, zealous, and diligent participation in the work of God. This applies to all areas of faith, from personal spiritual growth to corporate ministry and evangelism. A lack of diligence in spiritual matters is contrary to the Spirit-filled life.
3. **Willingness to Endure**: Paul's use of oknērós in Philippians 3:1 demonstrates that even tasks that might be perceived as repetitive or "irksome" should not deter a faithful servant. True dedication to the gospel and the well-being of others transcends personal convenience or aversion to difficulty, embracing diligent effort for a higher purpose.
In essence, oknērós stands as a theological counter-concept to the active, obedient, and zealous life to which believers are called. It underscores that God values diligence, initiative, and wholehearted engagement in His service, and He condemns spiritual laziness as a dereliction of duty.
### Summary
ὀκνηρός (oknērós, `{{G3636}}`) denotes being "tardy," "indolent," or "slothful," and figuratively, "irksome" or "grievous." Its biblical occurrences vividly illustrate both meanings: condemning the spiritual laziness and negligence of the servant in [[Matthew 25:26]] and urging believers to avoid such slothfulness in their spiritual diligence in [[Romans 12:11]]. In [[Philippians 3:1]], Paul uses it to describe a task that is *not* burdensome to him. Theologically, oknērós serves as a potent warning against spiritual apathy and a call to fervent, diligent stewardship and service, emphasizing that a lack of zealous engagement is a serious failing in the life of faith.
TRV