### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apeithḗs**, represented by `{{G545}}`, describes one who is **unpersuadable** or **disobedient**. Derived from a negative particle and the word for "persuade," its core meaning is to be contumacious or willfully defiant. It appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently denoting a state of rebellion against rightful authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G545}}` is frequently used in lists describing sinful character. It is tied to those who are **disobedient** to parents ([[Romans 1:30]]; [[2 Timothy 3:2]]) and is a mark of a past life of being "foolish, **disobedient**, deceived" [[Titus 3:3]]. The term is also applied to those who profess to know God but whose actions deny him, being "abominable, and **disobedient**" [[Titus 1:16]]. A key contrast is found in Luke's Gospel, which speaks of a mission to turn the **disobedient** to the wisdom of the just [[Luke 1:17]]. In his defense before King Agrippa, Paul affirms that he was not **disobedient** to the heavenly vision, highlighting obedience as the proper response to divine revelation [[Acts 26:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the nature of being unpersuadable:
* `{{G453}}` **anóētos** (foolish, unwise): This word is directly paired with disobedience, describing a former state of being "**foolish**, **disobedient**" [[Titus 3:3]].
* `{{G720}}` **arnéomai** (deny, refuse): This highlights the active rejection inherent in disobedience. It is used to describe those who, through their works, **deny** God while being **disobedient** [[Titus 1:16]].
* `{{G5428}}` **phrónēsis** (prudence, wisdom): This term is presented as the direct opposite of a disobedient state. John the Baptist's mission was to turn the **disobedient** to the **wisdom** of the just [[Luke 1:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G545}}` is significant in understanding human rebellion.
* **Characteristic of a Sinful Nature:** Disobedience is presented as a fundamental aspect of a life separated from God, listed with traits like being foolish, deceived, living in malice, and hating one another [[Titus 3:3]].
* **Rebellion Against Authority:** The term is specifically used to describe those who are "**disobedient** to parents" ([[Romans 1:30]]; [[2 Timothy 3:2]]), indicating a rejection of established order. This extends to spiritual matters, where disobedience is linked to being abominable and denying God through one's actions [[Titus 1:16]].
* **The Opposite of Wisdom:** Scripture contrasts the state of being **disobedient** with having **wisdom** [[Luke 1:17]]. To be unpersuadable is to reject the wisdom that comes from God, while Paul's positive example of *not* being **disobedient** shows that submission to God's will is the path of faith [[Acts 26:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G545}}` conveys a strong sense of being willfully **unpersuadable** and contumacious, going beyond simple acts of wrongdoing. It characterizes a state of rebellion, whether against parents [[Romans 1:30]] or against God himself [[Titus 1:16]]. This condition is explicitly contrasted with godly **wisdom** [[Luke 1:17]] and is listed among the traits of a life prior to salvation [[Titus 3:3]]. Ultimately, **apeithḗs** defines a heart that is set against persuasion and authority, a condition that the gospel message aims to transform into faithful obedience.
TRV