### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀδιάκριτος (adiákritos, `{{G87}}`) is a compound adjective formed from the privative alpha (ἀ-) and a derivative of the verb διακρίνω (diakrínō, `{{G1252}}`). The root verb διακρίνω carries a range of meanings, including "to distinguish," "to separate," "to judge," "to discriminate," or "to waver/doubt." The addition of the negative prefix therefore yields a core sense of "undistinguished," "undiscriminating," or "unwavering." In its active sense, as used in the New Testament, it signifies "impartial" or "without partiality." It denotes a state of being free from favoritism, bias, or internal conflict that would lead to inconsistent judgment or treatment. This implies a consistent and equitable approach, not swayed by external appearances or personal preferences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀδιάκριτος (adiákritos, `{{G87}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Epistle of James. Its solitary occurrence is found in [[James 3:17]]: "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, **without partiality** and without hypocrisy."
In this pivotal verse, ἀδιάκριτος is presented as a defining characteristic of true, divine wisdom, contrasting sharply with the "earthly, sensual, demonic" wisdom described earlier in the chapter ([[James 3:15]]). The context highlights the practical outworkings of wisdom in human relationships and community life. The wisdom from above, unlike worldly wisdom that leads to "envy and self-seeking" and ultimately "confusion and every evil thing" ([[James 3:16]]), is marked by attributes that foster peace and righteousness. The inclusion of "without partiality" (ἀδιάκριτος) immediately after "full of mercy and good fruits" underscores that genuine mercy and good works must be extended universally, without favoritism or discrimination. This aligns with James's earlier condemnation of showing partiality to the rich over the poor in the assembly ([[James 2:1-9]]), emphasizing that true faith and divine wisdom do not discriminate based on social status or external factors. Thus, ἀδιάκριτος here means that divine wisdom does not make distinctions or judgments based on bias but rather treats all equitably.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verb from which it is derived, διακρίνω (diakrínō, `{{G1252}}`). While διακρίνω can mean "to distinguish" or "to judge," its negative form ἀδιάκριτος emphasizes the absence of *improper* distinguishing or judging, particularly in the sense of showing favoritism.
A crucial conceptual opposite to ἀδιάκριτος is the Greek term προσωπολημψία (prosōpolēmpsia, `{{G4382}}`), which means "respect of persons" or "partiality." This concept is explicitly condemned in various New Testament passages, including [[Romans 2:11]], [[Ephesians 6:9]], [[Colossians 3:25]], and notably by James himself in [[James 2:1]], where he warns against holding the faith of Jesus Christ "with partiality." The attribute ἀδιάκριτος thus stands as the virtuous counterpoint to this condemned practice.
Other related concepts include fairness, equity, impartiality, and non-discrimination, all of which are embodied in the meaning of ἀδιάκριτος. The concept of God's own nature as impartial (e.g., [[Acts 10:34]], [[Romans 2:11]]) provides the ultimate theological foundation for this attribute of divine wisdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀδιάκριτος (adiákritos, `{{G87}}`) lies in its profound connection to the character of God and the nature of true divine wisdom. God Himself is consistently portrayed in Scripture as one who "shows no partiality" (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 10:17]], [[Acts 10:34]], [[Romans 2:11]], [[Galatians 2:6]]). Therefore, wisdom that originates "from above" must necessarily reflect this divine attribute.
The presence of ἀδιάκριτος in the description of heavenly wisdom in [[James 3:17]] indicates that genuine spiritual insight and guidance lead to actions and judgments that are free from prejudice, favoritism, or any form of discrimination. This is not merely a moral virtue but an essential manifestation of God's righteous and just character operating through believers. Partiality, on the other hand, is identified as a characteristic of "earthly, sensual, demonic" wisdom ([[James 3:15]]), leading to strife and disorder.
For the Christian community, being "without partiality" is vital for unity, peace, and the effective demonstration of the Gospel. It calls believers to treat all individuals with equal dignity and respect, regardless of their social standing, wealth, ethnicity, or any other external factor. This impartiality is a practical outworking of the love commanded by Christ, ensuring that mercy and good fruits are extended universally, reflecting the boundless and non-discriminatory grace of God. It underscores that true wisdom leads to righteous conduct that builds up rather than tears down.
### Summary
The Greek term ἀδιάκριτος (adiákritos, `{{G87}}`) signifies "without partiality" or "impartial." Derived from the negative particle and the verb "to distinguish" or "to discriminate," it denotes the absence of favoritism or bias. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[James 3:17]] highlights it as a crucial characteristic of "wisdom from above." This divine wisdom, unlike worldly counterparts, is pure, peaceable, and fundamentally impartial, reflecting God's own non-discriminatory nature. The theological significance of ἀδιάκριτος underscores that true spiritual wisdom leads to equitable treatment of all people, fostering unity and righteousness within the community of faith, and standing in direct opposition to the condemned practice of showing partiality (προσωπολημψία, `{{G4382}}`).
TRV