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ἄμαχος

ámachos

G269 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Not inclined to fighting or quarrels; peaceable. Primarily describes a person who does not resort to physical or verbal altercation, but who is gentle, forbearing, and not contentious. In contexts of personal conduct or qualifications for leadership, it emphasizes an attitude of non-violence and calmness.

Semantic Range

not contentious, not quarrelsome, peaceable, uncombative, not disposed to fighting or disputes; gentle; abstaining from controversy

Root / Etymology

From ἀ- (a-, negative privative prefix) and μάχη (machē, 'battle', 'fight'), i.e., 'not given to fighting' or 'uncombative'.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἄμαχος is a rare adjective in Koine Greek with very limited attestation outside biblical literature. In the New Testament, it appears in the Pastoral Epistles (e.g., 1 Timothy 3:3 and Titus 3:2), characterizing the sober, non-contentious demeanor expected of community leaders. While English translations often render it as 'not a brawler', this can be misleading, as the term encompasses not only abstention from physical fighting but also from quarrelsomeness and aggressive dispute. In Hellenistic Greek, and especially in ethical or philosophical contexts, ἄμαχος suggests a broader virtue of peacefulness and self-restraint. The term contrasts with φιλοπύγμος ('fond of fighting') and stands close to πραΰς ('gentle'), but the latter often connotes meekness, while ἄμαχος emphasizes absence of combative spirit. The term is virtually unattested in Classical Greek and seems to reflect Koine-era concerns for communal harmony and appropriate leadership behavior, as reflected in early Christian and other contemporary moral writings.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from Α (as a negative particle) and μάχη; peaceable:--not a brawler.

Root Family

ἄμαχος (amachos) — not fighting, uncombative, not quarrelsome, peaceable

Root μαχ- to fight, to engage in battle, to quarrel

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G269-02 ἀμάχους amachous ADJ.P ACC M PL peaceable uncombative ones uncombative ones 1
G269-01 ἄμαχον amachon ADJ.S ACC M SG peaceable an uncombative man an uncombative man 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G269-01 1 Timothy 3:3 ἄμαχον amachon ADJ.S ACC M SG peaceable an uncombative man an uncombative man
G269-02 Titus 3:2 ἀμάχους amachous ADJ.P ACC M PL peaceable uncombative ones uncombative ones
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