ἀνέκλειπτος

anékleiptos

G413 attributive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Not failing, unfailing; describes something that does not come to an end, cease, or fail; enduring, inexhaustible. In contexts, it refers to something that persists continuously, is not eclipsed or suppressed, or never ceases.

Semantic Range

not failing, unfailing, unceasing, inexhaustible, perennial, perpetual, enduring, that does not come to an end

Root / Etymology

From the negative prefix ἀ- (an-, not) and ἐκλείπω (ekleipō, to fail, to cease, to disappear). Formed to express a negation of the action or state of failing or ceasing.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The word ἀνέκλειπτος is rare and attested primarily in Koine Greek literature and the New Testament (notably in Hebrews 7:3). It is used in contexts emphasizing perpetual continuity or unceasing nature, such as describing an eternal priesthood. The sense of 'inexhaustible' or 'unfailing' accentuates that something persists without interruption or diminishment. In the Septuagint and Hellenistic literature, similar compounds with ἀ- often express enduring or steadfast qualities. Standard English translations sometimes use 'unfailing' or 'endless,' but these may not capture all nuanced aspects of the Greek, especially the contrast to cessation or failure implied by the root ἐκλείπω. Unlike some more common negative Greek prefixes (such as ἀ- with ὀλιγόπιστος, 'unbelieving'), ἀνέκλειπτος relies on the imagery of something which does not undergo eclipse or wane away, thus conveying enduring presence or efficacy. Its formation is consistent with other Greek compounds signifying a negated or unceasing state.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from Α (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of ἐκλείπω; not left out, i.e. (by implication) inexhaustible:--that faileth not.

Root Family

ἐκλείπ- (anékleiptos) — to fail, to cease, to disappear

Root ἐκλείπ- to fail, to cease, to disappear

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G413-01 ἀνέκλειπτον anekleipton ADJ.A ACC M SG unfailing unfailing unfailing 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G413-01 Luke 12:33 ἀνέκλειπτον anekleipton ADJ.A ACC M SG unfailing unfailing unfailing