### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **axíōs**, represented by `{{G516}}`, is an adverb meaning to act **appropriately**, **worthily**, or in a manner that **becometh** a certain standard. It appears 7 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. This term consistently describes the conduct or lifestyle that should align with a believer's calling, faith, or relationship with God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G516}}` is consistently used to exhort believers to live in a manner that is fitting for their new identity. Paul urges the Ephesians to **walk** `{{G4043}}` **worthy** of the **vocation** `{{G2821}}` to which they were called [[Ephesians 4:1]]. Similarly, he tells the Colossians to **walk** `{{G4043}}` **worthy** of the **Lord** `{{G2962}}`, which is characterized by being fruitful in every **good** `{{G18}}` **work** `{{G2041}}` [[Colossians 1:10]]. The term is also applied to how believers should interact, such as receiving fellow believers **as becometh saints** `{{G40}}` [[Romans 16:2]] and supporting them on their journey in **a godly sort** [[3 John 1:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for what it means to live **worthily**:
* `{{G4043}}` **peripatéō** (to live, deport oneself, follow): This word for **walk** is frequently modified by `{{G516}}`, emphasizing that a worthy life is an active, daily conduct, not just a belief [[Ephesians 4:1]].
* `{{G2821}}` **klēsis** (calling): This refers to the **invitation** from God that believers are called to live up to. A worthy walk is one that matches the high honor of this **calling** [[Ephesians 4:1]].
* `{{G2098}}` **euangélion** (gospel): Living appropriately means one's public life and behavior should be consistent with the message of the **gospel** of **Christ** `{{G5547}}` [[Philippians 1:27]].
* `{{G2041}}` **érgon** (deed, doing, labour, work): A life lived **worthily** is productive, resulting in every **good** `{{G18}}` **work** and increasing in the **knowledge** `{{G1922}}` of **God** `{{G2316}}` [[Colossians 1:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G516}}` centers on the practical application of faith:
* **Reflecting Divine Value:** The concept is not about earning salvation, but about living a life that reflects the immense value of the **gospel** `{{G2098}}`, the **Lord** `{{G2962}}`, and the **calling** `{{G2821}}` one has received. The conduct is meant to be worthy *of* God, not to make oneself worthy *before* God [[1 Thessalonians 2:12]].
* **Unifying Belief and Behavior:** `{{G516}}` bridges the gap between positional truth and practical living. Believers are called to let their **conversation be** `{{G4176}}` as it **becometh** the **gospel** [[Philippians 1:27]], ensuring their actions align with their faith.
* **The Goal of Pleasing God:** A worthy walk is one that is unto all **pleasing** `{{G699}}`, marked by fruitfulness in every **good work** `{{G2041}}` and an increase in the **knowledge** `{{G1922}}` of **God** `{{G2316}}` [[Colossians 1:10]].
### Summary
In summary, **axíōs** `{{G516}}` is more than just a call to moral behavior; it is a directive to align one's entire manner of life with the divine standard. It challenges believers to ensure their daily **walk** `{{G4043}}` and conduct are appropriate expressions of the **Lord** `{{G2962}}` they serve, the **gospel** `{{G2098}}` they profess, and the holy **calling** `{{G2821}}` they have received [[Ephesians 4:1]]. The term emphasizes that a believer's life should be a fitting testimony to the worth of God himself.
TRV