The Greek word apelegmós, represented by G557, means refutation or, by implication, contempt, and is translated as nought. It is a rare term, appearing only 1 time in the Bible. Its meaning centers on the idea of being utterly discredited or brought to a state of complete invalidation.
The single use of G557 occurs in Acts 19:27. Here, a silversmith expresses fear that his trade is in danger of being set at nought. This concern is not just economic; he worries that the preaching of the apostles will lead to the temple of the goddess Diana being despised and her "magnificence" G3168 being "destroyed" G2507. The word captures the potential for a belief system and its associated practices to be so thoroughly refuted that they become worthless and contemptible in the public eye.
Several related words in its only context illuminate the concept of being brought to nothing:
- G2793 kindyneúō (to be in danger): This term describes the state of peril or jeopardy that precedes being set at nought. The silversmiths' craft is in danger Acts 19:27, just as the disciples were in jeopardy during a storm Luke 8:23.
- G2507 kathairéō (destroy): This word signifies the ultimate outcome of being refuted. It means to demolish or pull down, as seen in the fear that Diana's magnificence would be destroyed Acts 19:27 or in the call to cast down imaginations that oppose God 2 Corinthians 10:5.
- G3049 logízomai (to take an inventory, i.e. estimate): In the context of Acts 19:27, this is part of the phrase translated as "despised," indicating that the temple would be esteemed or reckoned as nothing. It highlights the mental calculation of worth, which can also be used positively, as when faith is counted for righteousness Romans 4:5.
- G3168 megaleiótēs (magnificence): This is the quality that is threatened with being brought to nought. It refers to splendor or majesty, such as the majesty of Christ 2 Peter 1:16 or the mighty power of God Luke 9:43.
The conceptual significance of G557 is seen in the reaction it provokes:
- The Power of Truth: The word's sole appearance demonstrates the perceived power of the Gospel to invalidate established falsehoods. The silversmiths feared that the Christian message would result in the complete refutation of their idolatrous worship Acts 19:27.
- Fragility of Idolatry: The concern that the "magnificence" G3168 of a goddess could be brought to nought highlights the inherent instability of man-made worship. This stands in contrast to the eternal "mighty power" G3168 of God, which cannot be refuted Luke 9:43.
- Economic and Social Impact: The use of G557 is directly linked to a "craft" G3313 being put "in danger" G2793. This shows that the refutation of false beliefs carries tangible social and economic consequences, sparking the uproar in Ephesus Acts 19:27.
In summary, G557 is a potent but rarely used word signifying total refutation and contempt. Its single biblical appearance in Acts 19:27 vividly portrays the fear that the apostolic proclamation of truth would bring an entire system of idolatry—including its economic basis and perceived splendor—to nought. The term powerfully illustrates the concept of complete discrediting in the face of a superior truth.
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