← G279 G281 →

ἄμετρος

ámetros

G280 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Lacking measure; not limited or determined by a standard, quantity, or degree. In specific contexts, conveying the sense of 'immeasurable,' 'boundless,' or 'excessive.' The word primarily indicates the absence of moderation or quantifiable limit, and by extension, may denote excess or extremity depending on context.

Semantic Range

without measure, immeasurable, unlimited, boundless, excessive, lacking moderation

Root / Etymology

From the negative prefix ἀ- ('not, without') and μέτρον ('measure, standard, limit'), thus literally 'without measure.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἄμετρος is a rare adjective in classical and Hellenistic Greek and appears infrequently in extant literature, including biblical Greek (NT: John 3:34). In philosophical and rhetorical contexts outside the New Testament, it can describe something lacking moderation or proper proportion, sometimes implying excess. The NT usage (e.g., John 3:34) emphasizes the unmeasured, boundless character of what is given (in this case, 'the Spirit'). Standard English translations often use terms like 'without measure' or 'immeasurably,' which generally capture the meaning but may miss connotations of lack of moderation or surpassing all bounds. While the word is formed regularly from well-known roots, its actual use is restricted and context-dependent.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from Α (as a negative particle) and μέτρον; immoderate:--(thing) without measure.

Root Family

ἄμετρος (ametros) — without measure, immeasurable, unlimited, excessive

Root μετρ- to measure, to set a standard

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G280-01 ἄμετρα ametra ADJ.S ACC N PL unmeasured measureless things measureless things 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G280-01 2 Corinthians 10:13 ἄμετρα ametra ADJ.S ACC N PL unmeasured measureless things measureless things
G280-01 2 Corinthians 10:15 ἄμετρα ametra ADJ.S ACC N PL without measure measureless things measureless things
← G279 Greek Lexicon G281 →