← G277 G279 →

ἀμεταμέλητος

ametamélētos

G278 predicate adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Not subject to change of mind or regret; incapable of being undone or recalled. In most contexts, describes something that will not be reversed or regretted, especially decisions, gifts, callings, or attributes that remain firm and unaffected by reconsideration or remorse. Also used to characterize a person or attitude as steadfast, unrepenting, or resolute (without subsequent regret or remorse).

Semantic Range

not to be regretted, not open to regret, not subject to change of mind, unalterable, irrevocable, unrepented, steadfast, fixed, resolute

Root / Etymology

ἀ- (a-, alpha privative, indicating negation) + μεταμέλομαι (metamelomai, 'to regret, change one’s mind'). Formed as a verbal adjective meaning 'not repented of' or 'not regretted.' No evidence for use as a participle or finite verb form. Cognate with the noun μετάμελος and metamelomai. No significant Hebrew or Aramaic derivation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The adjective ἀμεταμέλητος appears in Koine Greek literature and especially in Paul (Romans 11:29; 2 Corinthians 7:10). In classical Greek, μεταμέλομαι denotes a sense of regret, being sorry, or changing one’s mind after reflection; the compound ἀμεταμέλητος thus conveys the absence of this process. In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, it is often found in legal, philosophical, and moral contexts to emphasize the finality or unchangeableness of an act or disposition. In the New Testament, especially Romans 11:29, it refers to the irrevocable nature of divine gifts and calling—i.e., they will not be withdrawn or subject to reversal. English translations like 'irrevocable,' 'unchanged,' or 'not subject to regret' capture aspects of its meaning, but 'not to be regretted' or 'without regret' is more literal. Theological readings often interpret it as 'not to be repented of,' but this risks introducing anachronistic moral language; the core sense is the steadfastness or irreversibility of an act or disposition.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from Α (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of μεταμέλλομαι; irrevocable:--without repentance, not to be repented of.

Root Family

ἀμεταμέλητος (ametamélētos) — not regretted, not subject to change of mind, irrevocable, unalterable

Root μεταμελε- to regret, to change one’s mind, to feel remorse

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G278-02 ἀμεταμέλητον ametameleton ADJ.A ACC F SG without regret irrevocable irrevocable 1
G278-01 ἀμεταμέλητα ametameleta ADJ.P NOM N PL irrevocable not subject to regret not subject to regret 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G278-01 Romans 11:29 ἀμεταμέλητα ametameleta ADJ.P NOM N PL irrevocable not subject to regret not subject to regret
G278-02 2 Corinthians 7:10 ἀμεταμέλητον ametameleton ADJ.A ACC F SG without regret irrevocable irrevocable
← G277 Greek Lexicon G279 →