Lexical Summary akmén: Yet, still, even now Original Word: ἀκμήν 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 Originacc. of the same as akmazó Definition at the present point of time NASB Translation still (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 188: ἀκμήἀκμή, (ῆς, ἡ (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. 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. 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). 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. 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 AkmḕnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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