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ἀνίλεως

aníleōs

G448 predicate adjective

SILEX Entry

Root ἵλεως to be gracious, to show mercy, to propitiate

Definition

Showing no mercy, not inclined to pardon or show clemency; lacking compassion, unyielding. In context, used of a person, act, or judgment that is unforgiving and does not allow for leniency.

Semantic Range

merciless, without mercy, unyielding, inexorable, unforgiving, not compassionate

Root / Etymology

From the negative prefix ἀ- (a-, 'not') and ἵλεως (híleōs, 'gracious, merciful'). The compound directly negates the quality of being merciful, forming an adjective.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Koine Greek, ἀνίλεως is a rare but clear adjective. Its principal meaning centers on a lack of compassion or mercy; it describes both people and actions that are harsh, unrelenting, or unforgiving. In the Septuagint and New Testament, its use is infrequent but always pejorative, denoting someone who refuses to show mercy—regardless of the reason or recipient. Unlike ἄσπλαγχνος ('without compassion, pitiless') which emphasizes an affective lack of pity, ἀνίλεως highlights the absence of the moral or judicial attribute of clemency. Later English translations often gloss it as 'without mercy' or 'merciless,' but this can understate the term's association with inflexible judgment. The word is attested in some Hellenistic philosophical and rhetorical contexts where it can describe inexorable fate, laws, or punishments. The underlying concept is the total absence of willingness to set aside deserved penalty or grant pardon. In all periods, ἀνίλεως sharply contrasts its root, ἵλεως, which is associated with favor, forgiveness, and propitiation.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from Α (as a negative particle) and ἵλεως; inexorable:--without mercy.

Root Family

ἀνίλεως (anileōs) — merciless, without mercy, unyielding, unforgiving

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G448-01 ἀνέλεος aneleos ADJ.P NOM F SG without mercy merciless merciless 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G448-01 James 2:13 ἀνέλεος aneleos ADJ.P NOM F SG without mercy merciless merciless
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