188. akmén
Lexical Summary
akmén: Yet, still, even now

Original Word: ἀκμήν
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: akmén
Pronunciation: ak-MANE
Phonetic Spelling: (ak-mane')
KJV: yet
NASB: still
Word Origin: [accusative case of a noun acme, akin to ake "a point" and meaning the same]

1. (adverbially) just now, i.e. still

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
yet.

Accusative case of a noun ("acme") akin to ake (a point) and meaning the same; adverbially, just now, i.e. Still -- yet.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
acc. of the same as akmazó
Definition
at the present point of time
NASB Translation
still (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 188: ἀκμή

ἀκμή, (ῆς, (cf. ἀκή (on the accent cf. Chandler § 116; but the word is 'a mere figment of the grammarians,' Pape (yet cf. Liddell and Scott) under the word), αἰχμή, Latinacies, acuo) among the Greeks a. properly, a point, to prick with (cf. (the classic) αἰχμή), b. extremity, climax, acme, highest degree, c. the present point of time. Hence, accusative (Winers Grammar, 230 (216), 464 (432f); Buttmann, 153 (134)) ἀκμήν with adverbial force, equivalent to ἐπί, even now, even yet: Matthew 15:16. (Theocritus, id. 4, 60; Polybius 4, 36, 8; Strat. epigr. 3, p. 101, Lipsius edition; Strabo 1. i. (c. 3 prol.), p. 56; Plutarch, de glor. Athen. 2, 85, others) Cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 123.

Topical Lexicon
Root Idea and Semantic Field

Although used only once in the New Testament, the word conveys the sense of “even now,” “still,” or “yet,” stressing an ongoing condition that should have been resolved. It belongs to a family of temporal adverbs that mark persistence of a state despite elapsed time, thus sharpening the contrast between expectation and reality.

Biblical Occurrence

Matthew 15:16 records Jesus’ question to His disciples after they misunderstand His teaching on inner purity: “Are even you still so dull?”. The adverb intensifies the Lord’s surprise that those who have walked with Him, witnessed His miracles, and heard His instruction continue in spiritual obtuseness.

Theological Significance

1. Spiritual Perception vs. Physical Forms

The single use underscores a key Matthean theme: true defilement arises from the heart, not from ritual or dietary practices. By saying “still,” Jesus exposes the disciples’ lingering attraction to externalism.
2. Progressive Revelation

Scripture repeatedly calls believers to growth (Hebrews 5:12-14; 2 Peter 3:18). The adverb spotlights the tension between divine revelation and human slowness to grasp it, acting as a pastoral prod toward maturity.
3. Covenant Continuity

Jesus echoes prophetic rebukes of hardened hearts (Isaiah 6:9-10; Jeremiah 5:21), tying the disciples’ dullness to Israel’s historical pattern. His question affirms the consistency of God’s standards across both covenants.

Implications for Discipleship

• Proximity to divine activity does not guarantee understanding; illumination comes through obedient faith (John 7:17).
• Leaders, though privileged, are accountable to advance beyond foundational truths (Hebrews 6:1).
• The term calls teachers to patience but also to clear, corrective instruction, mirroring Jesus’ balance of rebuke and explanation (Matthew 15:17-20).

Historical Usage and Background

In classical literature the adverb often strengthens a contrast (“even now, after all this...”); speakers employ it to express incredulity at ongoing ignorance or delay. The New Testament redeploys this colloquial nuance, loading it with redemptive urgency: time has advanced, Messianic fulfillment has arrived, yet dullness persists.

Related Terms and Passages

While ἔτι (eti, “still”) and ἄχρι (achri, “until”) also mark time, the term in Matthew 15:16 carries emotional weight, closer to the apostolic use of ἔτι in 1 Corinthians 3:2-3, where Paul laments that the Corinthians are “still worldly.” Both passages highlight arrested spiritual development.

Application for Contemporary Ministry

• Self-examination: Churches must ask, “Are we still uncomprehending?” whenever tradition eclipses heart transformation.
• Teaching strategy: Move believers from ritualism to relational obedience, employing probing questions as Jesus did.
• Pastoral counseling: Recognize that ongoing sin or misunderstanding may reflect deeper heart issues, not merely lack of information.

Summary

This brief adverb functions as a sharp diagnostic tool. By pressing the word “still” against the disciples’ sluggish insight, Jesus exposes and heals the gap between knowledge and obedience, urging every generation of believers toward wholehearted understanding and sanctified action.

Forms and Transliterations
Ακμην ακμήν Ἀκμὴν άκμων Akmen Akmēn Akmḕn
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Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 15:16 N-AFS
GRK: δὲ εἶπεν Ἀκμὴν καὶ ὑμεῖς
NAS: Jesus said, Are you still lacking in understanding
KJV: ye also yet without understanding?
INT: moreover he said Still also you

Strong's Greek 188
1 Occurrence


Ἀκμὴν — 1 Occ.

187
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