Lexical Summary amachos: Peaceable, not quarrelsome Original Word: ἄμαχος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance uncontentious, peaceableFrom a (as a negative particle) and mache; peaceable -- not a brawler. see GREEK a see GREEK mache NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and maché Definition abstaining from fighting NASB Translation peaceable (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 269: ἄμαχοςἄμαχος, (μάχη), in Greek writings (from Pindar down) commonly not to be withstood, invincible; more rarely abstaining from fighting (Xenophon, Cyril 4, 1, 16; Hell. 4, 4, 9); in the N. T. twice metaphorically, not contentious: 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 3:2. Topical Lexicon Semantic Range and Conceptual Background Formed from the alpha-privative and the root for “battle,” Strong’s Greek 269 expresses the settled refusal to enter personal combat—physical, verbal, or relational. It portrays a temperament that neither provokes nor prolongs strife but seeks concord without compromising truth. Peaceable Disposition in Leadership Paul names the quality twice in the Pastoral Epistles, each time while prescribing credentials for spiritual leadership. In 1 Timothy 3:3 the overseer must be “peaceable”, a word that stands in close company with sobriety, gentleness, and financial integrity. Together the traits sketch an individual whose authority rests not on force of personality but on Christlike self-control. Titus 3:2 widens the circle to every believer yet still reflects the shepherd’s model: “to malign no one, and be peaceable, gentle, showing full consideration to everyone”. In both passages the term guards the community from the kind of factionalism warned against in 1 Corinthians 3:3 and James 4:1. Broader New Testament Context Although Strong’s 269 appears only twice, its ethic threads the New Testament. Jesus blesses the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9); Paul insists, “If it is possible…live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18); Peter exhorts to “seek peace and pursue it” (1 Peter 3:11). The elder who embodies ἄμαχος thereby mirrors the Spirit’s fruit of peace (Galatians 5:22) and the wisdom that is “first pure, then peace-loving” (James 3:17). Old Testament Foundations The Septuagint frequently employs cognate forms when describing the righteous. Psalm 34:14 urges, “Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Isaiah’s Servant Songs foresee a Messiah who establishes peace through suffering, not retaliation (Isaiah 53:7). Thus the New Testament use of ἄμαχος rests on an inherited biblical theology in which God reconciles rather than annihilates His enemies. Historical Usage in the Early Church Early Christian writers echoed Paul’s standard. Ignatius urged the believers in Magnesia to submit to their bishop “that there may be unity and freedom from strife.” The Didache commands believers to “be gentle…not lovers of strife.” By the fourth century, qualifications for bishops in conciliar canons preserve the same requirement, showing that ἄμαχος became a touchstone for pastoral credibility. Theological Significance 1. Reflection of God’s Character: The “God of peace” (Hebrews 13:20) calls leaders who reflect His nature. Practical Ministry Implications • Conflict Resolution: Elders model calm dialogue, de-escalating tensions before they harden into schism. Contemporary Application Modern congregations face ideological polarization, social media outrage, and doctrinal drift. By retrieving the apostolic call to be ἄμαχος, churches cultivate leaders and members who advance truth without verbal skirmishes, who confront error without personal animus, and who embody the reconciling mission of Christ, “for He Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). Forms and Transliterations αμαχον άμαχον ἄμαχον αμαχους αμάχους ἀμάχους amachon ámachon amachous amáchousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Timothy 3:3 Adj-AMSGRK: ἀλλὰ ἐπιεικῆ ἄμαχον ἀφιλάργυρον NAS: but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. KJV: patient, not a brawler, not covetous; INT: but gentle peaceable not loving money Titus 3:2 Adj-AMP Strong's Greek 269 |
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