### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apeilḗ**, represented by `{{G547}}`, refers to **a menace** or **threatening**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. This term is consistently used to describe acts of intimidation or hostile warnings intended to suppress or control others.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G547}}` is primarily associated with persecution against the early church. Before his conversion, Saul was "breathing out **threatenings** and slaughter" against the Lord's disciples, indicating a direct link between the menace and physical violence [[Acts 9:1]]. Similarly, when the apostles were brought before the council, the leaders decided to "straitly **threaten** them" to stop them from speaking in the name of Jesus [[Acts 4:17]]. In response, the believers prayed for God to "behold their **threatenings**" and grant them boldness [[Acts 4:29]]. The term is also used in an ethical command, where masters are instructed to treat their servants well, "forbearing **threatening**" [[Ephesians 6:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of threats and the response to them:
* `{{G546}}` **apeiléō** (to threaten): As the verb form of `{{G547}}`, this word denotes the act of making a menace. It is used when the council resolves to **threaten** the apostles directly to silence them [[Acts 4:17]].
* `{{G5408}}` **phónos** (murder): This term for **slaughter** or murder is paired with `{{G547}}` to describe the intensity of Saul's persecution, showing that the threats were backed by lethal intent [[Acts 9:1]].
* `{{G3954}}` **parrhēsía** (boldness): This word, meaning frankness or assurance, is presented as the spiritual antidote to threats. The disciples did not ask for the threats to be removed, but rather prayed for **boldness** to continue speaking God's word in spite of them [[Acts 4:29]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G547}}` is seen in its portrayal of the conflict between the world and the church.
* **Opposition to the Gospel:** Threats are a primary tool used by opponents to try and stifle the spread of the gospel. The intent behind the **threatenings** in Acts was to intimidate the apostles into silence [[Acts 4:17]].
* **Source of Violence:** The word is directly connected to physical violence, as Saul's **threatenings** were coupled with **slaughter** `{{G5408}}`, demonstrating the serious nature of the hostility faced by early believers [[Acts 9:1]].
* **A Call to a Higher Ethic:** The command for masters to stop **threatening** their servants establishes a new standard in relationships. It calls for those in positions of power to reject intimidation, recognizing their own accountability to a Master in heaven who judges without partiality [[Ephesians 6:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G547}}` is not just a simple warning but a word that signifies hostile pressure and intimidation. Its use in Acts highlights the persecution faced by the early church, while its contrast with boldness `{{G3954}}` illustrates the proper faith-filled response. Ultimately, the New Testament exhorts believers to abandon the use of **threatening**, modeling their conduct on a heavenly standard of justice and mercy.
TRV