from Α (as a negative particle) and δόκιμος; unapproved, i.e. rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally):--castaway, rejected, reprobate.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἀδόκιμος (adókimos, `{{G96}}`) is a compound word derived from the negative particle 'a-' (ἀ) and the adjective δόκιμος (dokimos, `{{G1384}}`). The root δόκιμος signifies "approved," "tested and found genuine," or "acceptable." Therefore, ἀδόκιμος fundamentally means "not approved," "not tested and found genuine," or "rejected." Its semantic range extends to encompass concepts such as "unfit for use," "worthless," and "reprobate."
The core idea embedded in ἀδόκιμος is that of a test or trial that has been failed. Just as a metal might be tested for purity and found to be dross, or a coin for authenticity and found to be counterfeit, so too can an individual or a course of action be subjected to divine scrutiny and found wanting. This failure leads to rejection or disqualification, whether in a literal sense (as something worthless) or, more profoundly, in a moral and spiritual sense (as one disapproved by God).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀδόκιμος appears in the New Testament, consistently carrying the weight of disapproval or rejection:
* **[[1 Corinthians 9:27]]**: Paul writes, "But I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified (ἀδόκιμος)." Here, Paul expresses a profound concern that despite his fervent ministry, he might personally fail to meet God's standard and thus be rejected or disqualified from receiving the ultimate prize. This highlights the ongoing need for spiritual discipline and humility, even for the most dedicated servants. The context is athletic imagery, where a competitor is "disqualified" if they fail to meet the rules or standards.
* **[[2 Corinthians 13:5-7]]**: Paul challenges the Corinthians: "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified (ἀδόκιμοι)." He then states, "But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified (ἀδόκιμοι)." This passage emphasizes self-examination to ascertain the genuineness of one's faith. To be ἀδόκιμος in this context means to fail the test of true faith, indicating a spiritual state that is not approved by Christ. The contrast with being "in the faith" is stark.
* **[[Titus 1:16]]**: Describing false teachers and rebellious individuals, Paul states, "They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable, disobedient, and worthless (ἀδόκιμοι) for every good work." Here, ἀδόκιμος describes those whose outward profession of faith is contradicted by their ungodly actions. Their lives fail the test of genuine godliness, rendering them "unfit" or "unapproved" for any work that truly honors God. It points to a moral and spiritual bankruptcy.
* **[[Hebrews 6:8]]**: In a warning against apostasy, the author writes, "But if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless (ἀδόκιμος) and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned." This verse uses an agricultural metaphor. Land that receives rain but produces only thorns and thistles is deemed ἀδόκιμος—unproductive, useless, and thus subject to divine judgment. This illustrates the consequence of spiritual unfruitfulness and persistent rejection of divine truth.
* **[[2 Timothy 3:8]]**: Referring to those who oppose the truth, Paul states, "Just as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved (ἀδόκιμοι) concerning the faith." Here, ἀδόκιμος describes those who are not merely ignorant but actively oppose divine truth. Their minds are "corrupt," and they are judged by God as "unapproved" or "rejected" in matters of faith, indicating a fundamental spiritual opposition.
Across these contexts, ἀδόκιμος consistently denotes a state of being rejected or disqualified, whether due to a failure in personal discipline, the absence of genuine faith, a life of ungodliness, spiritual unfruitfulness, or active opposition to truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἀδόκιμος is greatly aided by examining its linguistic and conceptual relatives:
* **Antonym:** The direct antonym is δόκιμος (dokimos, `{{G1384}}`), meaning "approved," "tested and found genuine." The contrast between being δόκιμος and ἀδόκιμος is central to understanding the New Testament's call to live a life pleasing to God.
* **Verbs of Testing:** The concept of testing is inherent in ἀδόκιμος. Related verbs include δοκιμάζω (dokimazō, `{{G1381}}`), "to test, to prove, to examine," and πειράζω (peirazō, `{{G3985}}`), "to test, to tempt." The state of being ἀδόκιμος is the outcome of failing such a test.
* **Nouns of Testing/Proof:** Δοκιμή (dokimē, `{{G1382}}`) refers to "a testing" or "proof," signifying the process by which something is shown to be genuine or otherwise.
* **Concepts of Judgment and Condemnation:** The state of being ἀδόκιμος often precedes or implies a form of divine judgment or condemnation. Related terms include κρίμα (krima, `{{G2917}}`), "judgment," and κατακρίνω (katakrinō, `{{G2632}}`), "to condemn."
* **Reprobation:** In theological discourse, ἀδόκιμος is frequently translated as "reprobate," particularly in contexts like [[Romans 1:28]], where God gives over those who suppress the truth to a "reprobate mind." While not using ἀδόκιμος directly there, the concept is closely aligned.
* **Fruitfulness and Barrenness:** As seen in [[Hebrews 6:8]], ἀδόκιμος is linked to spiritual barrenness, contrasting with the production of good fruit (cf. [[Matthew 7:19]], [[John 15:2]]).
### Theological Significance
The term ἀδόκιμος carries profound theological implications, serving as a stark warning and a call to genuine faith and obedience:
* **Divine Standard and Judgment:** The existence of ἀδόκιμος implies a divine standard against which all human lives, actions, and professions of faith are measured. God is the ultimate tester and approver. To be ἀδόκιμος is to fail this divine test and incur God's disapproval.
* **Human Responsibility:** The passages using ἀδόκιμος underscore human responsibility. Individuals are not passively made ἀδόκιμος; rather, their choices, character, and actions lead to this state. Paul's own fear in [[1 Corinthians 9:27]] highlights that even those in ministry must actively strive to live in a manner pleasing to God.
* **The Nature of True Faith:** The concept challenges superficial or nominal faith. True faith is not merely intellectual assent but is evidenced by a transformed life, obedience, and fruitfulness. Those who are ἀδόκιμος concerning the faith (e.g., [[2 Timothy 3:8]]) or for good works (e.g., [[Titus 1:16]]) demonstrate that their faith is counterfeit or ineffective.
* **Warning Against Apostasy and Unfruitfulness:** The warning in [[Hebrews 6:8]] is particularly severe, associating ἀδόκιμος with land that is "near to being cursed" and "to be burned." This speaks to the perilous state of those who, having received divine light, turn away or fail to produce spiritual fruit.
* **Consequences of Persistent Disobedience:** The term highlights the serious consequences of persistent disobedience, ungodliness, and active opposition to divine truth. It is a state of being rejected by God for His purposes and ultimately facing His just judgment. While the exact eternal destiny is debated in some contexts (e.g., Paul's fear of disqualification), the immediate implication is a forfeiture of divine approval and reward.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀδόκιμος (adókimos, `{{G96}}`) powerfully conveys the concept of being "unapproved," "rejected," or "worthless" after having been subjected to a test or standard. Its presence in the New Testament serves as a solemn warning against spiritual complacency, superficial faith, and a life that fails to align with God's will. Whether describing a minister's potential disqualification, a believer's true spiritual state, the ungodly's practical denial of God, or the unfruitful's ultimate end, ἀδόκιμος consistently points to a failure to meet divine expectations. It underscores the critical importance of living a life of genuine faith, obedience, and fruitfulness, striving always to be δόκιμος—approved and found genuine—in the eyes of the Almighty.
TRV