Lexical Summary idiótés: Layman, unlearned, unskilled, private person Original Word: ἰδιώτης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ignorant, rude, unlearned. From idios; a private person, i.e. (by implication) an ignoramus (compare "idiot") -- ignorant, rude, unlearned. see GREEK idios HELPS Word-studies 2399 idiṓtēs (from 2398 /ídios, "own") – properly, of one's own self; used of a person who conspicuously lacks education or status – hence, easily misunderstood as being uninstructed (unrefined, "unlettered in speech"). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom idios Definition a private or unskilled person NASB Translation ungifted (1), ungifted man (1), ungifted men (1), unskilled (1), untrained (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2399: ἰδιώτηςἰδιώτης, ἰδιώτου, ὁ (ἴδιος), very common in Greek writings from Herodotus down; properly, a private person, opposed to a magistrate, ruler, king; but the noun has many other meanings also, each one of which is understood from its antithesis, as e. g. a common soldier, as opposed to a military officer; a writer of prose, as opposed to a poet. In the N. T. an unlearned, illiterate, man, opposed to the learned, the educated: Acts 4:13; as often in classical Greek, unskilled in any art: in eloquence (Isocrates, p. 43 a.), with the dative of respect, τῷ λόγῳ, 2 Corinthians 11:6 (A. V. rude in speech); a Christian who is not a prophet, 1 Corinthians 14:24; "destitute of the 'gift of tongues,'" 1 Corinthians 14:16, 23. (Cf. Trench, § lxxix.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Semantic Range The term ἰδιώτης (idiōtēs) identifies a person who stands outside formal training, recognized status, or specialized ability. It describes one lacking professional or institutional credentials, yet does not inherently disparage character or intelligence. The word thus ranges from “ordinary” or “private” citizen (Acts 4:13) to “untrained” in rhetorical skill (2 Corinthians 11:6) and “uninformed” in congregational worship (1 Corinthians 14). Occurrences in the New Testament Contextual Insights Acts 4:13 – Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Witness The Sanhedrin, steeped in rabbinic learning, confronts Peter and John. Seeing them as “unschooled, ordinary men” underscores how God’s power is not restricted by academic pedigree. Their boldness testifies that union with Jesus eclipses human credentials. 1 Corinthians 14:16, 23, 24 – Worship Accessible to the Uninformed In the Corinthian assembly the “uninformed” must be able to understand and affirm corporate worship. Paul insists that tongues without interpretation fail this test, potentially driving away “uninformed or unbelievers” who might otherwise be convicted by intelligible prophecy. The presence of the idiōtēs becomes a litmus for orderly, edifying worship. 2 Corinthians 11:6 – Substance over Style Paul admits, “Even if I am untrained in speech, I am not in knowledge”. His self-designated idiōtēs status in rhetoric magnifies the gospel’s potency apart from Greco-Roman eloquence. The verse rebukes Corinthian fascination with polished orators and anchors authority in apostolic revelation. Historical Background In classical usage an idiōtēs was a private citizen as opposed to a public official or professional. Hellenistic culture prized rhetorical skill; sophists charged fees for instruction. First-century Judaism likewise held formal rabbinic training in high esteem. Against this backdrop the New Testament portrayal of idiōtai affirms God’s pattern of selecting the humble and confounding worldly hierarchies. Theological Significance 1. Divine Initiative: God equips ordinary believers, showcasing that sufficiency rests in the Spirit rather than institutional rank. Implications for Ministry and Discipleship • Training is valuable, but spiritual authority derives from Christ’s call and the Spirit’s gifting. Pastoral Applications • Encourage participation: Invite testimonies and prayer from those without formal titles, reflecting Acts 4 boldness. Summary Strong’s Greek 2399 highlights God’s delight in transforming the ordinary into agents of extraordinary influence. Whether before religious councils, within the gathered church, or amid a culture enamored with eloquence, the idiōtēs becomes a vessel through whom divine wisdom confounds human expectations, ensuring that glory rests in the Lord alone. Forms and Transliterations ιδιωται ιδιώται ἰδιῶται ιδιωτης ιδιώτης ἰδιώτης ιδιωτου ιδιώτου ἰδιώτου idiotai idiôtai idiōtai idiō̂tai idiotes idiōtēs idiṓtes idiṓtēs idiotou idiōtou idiṓtouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 4:13 N-NMPGRK: εἰσιν καὶ ἰδιῶται ἐθαύμαζον ἐπεγίνωσκόν NAS: that they were uneducated and untrained men, KJV: and ignorant men, INT: they are and untrained they marveled they recognized 1 Corinthians 14:16 N-GMS 1 Corinthians 14:23 N-NMP 1 Corinthians 14:24 N-NMS 2 Corinthians 11:6 N-NMS Strong's Greek 2399 |
    |